£80K boosts start-up success in the south

HESA Data recently analysed by Universities UK (UUK) has shown that start-ups established with the support of a university are creating local jobs, with more than 38,000 created with the support of universities since 2014/15.

Solent University, an institution with entrepreneurship in its DNA, is playing a key role in this area in the south of England. Since 2023, 21 student start-ups at Solent have benefitted from a financial boost as well as expert business guidance, helping turn winning ideas into reality.

Start-ups at Solent are supported by Solent Creatives, an on-campus enterprise that works with students and graduates, giving them the tools they need to thrive either as business owners or freelancers. Connecting the University’s learning community to organisations, networks and mentorship, Solent Creatives bridges the gap between education and industry, creating meaningful impact for both students and businesses alike.

Start-ups supported by Solent cover a broad range of interests and industries, from media agencies and sports therapists to magazines and interior design. The University has a rich history of supporting successful start-ups pioneered on campus, ranking in the top 10 in a 2017 Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey. In 2024, Solent was also recognised among the best in a cluster of universities with a teaching focus for the delivery of CPD training and graduate start-ups by the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF 4).

Emma Martin’s Ooh Ahh Property Staging is just one example of a start-up which is thriving thanks to Solent’s tailored support. Emma studied BA (Hons) Interior Design Decoration at Southampton Solent University, graduating in 2023.

Ooh Ahh Property Staging supports people selling or renting homes, beautifully transforming spaces to showcase the full potential of a home. On receiving start-up support from Solent, Emma says:

"Receiving support from the Solent Start-Ups team has been a game-changer for my business, Ooh Ahh Property Staging. The grant not only helped me invest in essential inventory but also gave me the confidence to take my business to the next level. The team’s expertise, guidance, and encouragement have been invaluable – from refining my business strategy to navigating the challenges of start-up life. I can’t recommend them highly enough to anyone considering launching their own venture. If you have a business idea, this is the team to help bring it to life!”

Solace Sauna is another local business that is thriving thanks to support from Solent. Pioneered by Bailey Foreman, a BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling and Mental Health alumna, Solace Sauna in Lepe Country Park is a unique sauna experience which focuses on wellbeing. Bailey says:

"Being part of the start-up programme was incredibly helpful in gaining clarity around breaking down a business plan step by step. It encouraged me to think about areas I might not have otherwise considered. The pitching process helped refine my vision and strengthened my ability to communicate it clearly and confidently - crucial in gaining the support and belief of others in my business."

Open for just two weeks, its tremendous success so far has meant that Bailey is already looking into adding additional facilities and extending opening times. Solace Sauna’s early success highlights the gap in the market for bespoke businesses which, without the support of universities like Solent, may not have the opportunity to break ground.

In the 2024/25 academic year, Solent has earmarked £40,000 to support students and graduates through the Start-Ups Fund. To be considered for funding, applicants are first invited to take part in a bootcamp experience, where they receive bespoke guidance from Barclays Eagle Labs on business planning, finance and pitching.

Start-up grants are non-repayable, taking the pressure off recipients and allowing them to focus solely on their business or freelance idea. Solent’s Professor Cathy Barnes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Academic Strategy and Planning, says:

“The role of a university extends beyond its campus, and resources such as the Solent Start-Ups Fund demonstrate the many ways in which higher education is playing an essential role in regional economies. By giving our students and graduates the tools to succeed after their education, we are contributing to a ripple effect that can lead to job creation and boost a city or region’s outputs.

“Universities UK’s latest campaign shows that there has been exponential growth in the turnover of start-ups that began life on university campuses all across the country. What matters now, is continued support in the sector to allow universities to keep investing in their graduates, which in turn becomes an investment in the region.”