As the UK's leading business-facing university, the University of Hertfordshire is working hard to increase this percentage by helping students develop enterprising, high-quality skills and personal strengths needed for today's competitive marketplace.
As part of this commitment, the University runs an Enterprise Fund for current students and graduates of up to three years, who are thinking of starting or already running their own business. Dave Hawkins, a second year Paramedic Science student at the University of Hertfordshire, is one such pioneering entrepreneur who has benefitted from this initiative. The Enterprise Fund enabled him to buy state-of-the-art, life-saving equipment which he needed to increase sales and scope of operation of his start-up business, Met Medical.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to giving all its students the knowledge and confidence to become independent thinkers and challenge conventions, whether they want to be self-employed or find employment after graduation. In addition to the funding, the University’s Enterprise Incubation Centre, within the Careers, Employment Enterprise Service, has helped Met Medical to grow into an established and profitable business venture. The Centre provides the company with office space including one year’s free access to office equipment, business clinics to help Met Medical set and achieve important targets, as well as other support services.
Met Medical
Dave recognised that the private ambulance sector had grown substantially in recent years but the skills level had remained stagnant. With demand still increasing, particularly within the events industry, Dave set up Met Medical in 2014, not only to meet this growing demand, but also to raise the standards of service for both clients and patients.
Comments Dave Hawkins: “The industry as a whole needed a fresh injection. My aim was to offer an improved service by only employing qualified staff”. Equipped to the same level as NHS ambulances, Met Medical specialises in providing critical medical cover at events of all sizes, ranging from equestrian shows and motocross competitions to triathlons and festivals.
Two years on, the business couldn’t be stronger. Covering an average of 250 events annually, Met Medical capitalises on the fact that the University of Hertfordshire is one of the largest sources of student paramedics who work alongside doctors, nurses and registered paramedics. It currently employs 60 students from the University. “By offering employment whilst studying, Met Medical can build unique relationships with these students, helping to build their confidence and offering valuable hands-on training opportunities”, continues Dave.
Dave is just one of many enterprising students currently studying at the University of Hertfordshire. He plans to expand his business in the coming year, recruiting an additional 20 – 30 students and expanding his fleet of ambulances. After graduation he hopes to have more time to devote to growing his successful start-up, improving patient care and setting new standards for the private ambulance industry.