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University of Bolton, why we are the right choice
Location - Bolton, Greater Manchester
20/03/2024
Today we’re going to feature stories of successful entrepreneurs in accountancy, business and law; exploring their startup journeys and explaining what skills you’d need to follow a similar path. So, grab a coffee, crack your ideas notebook and get ready to get inspired!
This child refugee would go on to found Freelance Programmers in 1962, one of the UK's first software companies. She made 70 of her staff members millionaires and pioneered flexible working arrangements as most of her initial team members were women with career responsibilities at home. Since women couldn’t open bank accounts without their husband's permission, she began using the name ‘Steve’ to get things done and has been known as such ever since. Now retired, she’s dedicated her remaining time to philanthropy, founding an autism care centre to support her late son, Giles. To follow in her footsteps, you’ll need programming knowledge and a fearless passion for entrepreneurship. You’ll want to love being a leader and giver with flexibility, resilience and a vision you can’t wait to see fulfilled.
British billionaire and founder of Caudwell Communications and Phones 4u, John built a telecommunications empire and became one of the UK's wealthiest individuals despite binning off his A-levels. John would later get an HNC in mechanical engineering while working at Michelin before he came up with his winning idea. He’d sell mobile phones. But for the first two years, he made a loss every month. However, determination won out and he went on to sell most of his company for £1.46b in 2006. He’s a self-made man with humble roots and you can follow his example if you apply your entrepreneurial mindset and strategic vision in an underserved niche. Get comfortable with risk-taking and adaptability while practising resilience in the face of setbacks until you reach your goal.
As a Barrister and Queen's Counsel, Cherie Blair is the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. She’s known for her work in human rights and international law, going on to found the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in 2008. Her passion is empowering women economically through entrepreneurship and business skills training while fighting for human rights globally. To be an effective advocate in this space, founding your own 3rd sector organisation, you’ll want legal expertise, an understanding of international law and natural comfort with public speaking. No matter what your cause, effective and soft leadership, diplomacy and philanthropy will serve you to achieve similarly great heights.
One of Britain’s most famous sons, Sir James Dyson is a prolific inventor and entrepreneur. The founder of Dyson Ltd, he’s known for innovative vacuum cleaners and other household appliances that go beyond their raw performance aspect to become a thing of beauty and desirability. But he faced setbacks when trying to get funding and if he wasn’t persistent, we wouldn’t have amazing inventions like the Dyson AirWrap today. He’s a pioneer, not a follower and his innovations are designs other companies go on to copy. To learn from him, practise your inventiveness and creative mindset. You might want to study engineering and get comfortable with perseverance, adaptability and making smart leaps towards achieving your vision.
The raw underdog to Sir James Dyson’s buttoned-up persona, Sir Richard Branson is the rebel founder of the Virgin Group who has launched ventures in music, airlines, telecommunications and space travel. He leans on others for strength when the going gets tough and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. He’s always shown adaptability, good communication skills, a keen knack for branding, a comfort with networking, evolved resilience and a relentless focus on his vision for the future. You can follow his example by not worrying too much about ‘the done thing’ and marching to the beat of your own drum. It’s okay to crack a few eggs, make mistakes and travel a bit too far down the wrong path, just so long as you get back up and carry on.
A prominent businesswoman and TV personality, Karren started her career in advertising and later moved into football. It just shows that your initial career roots don’t have to define you! She works alongside Lord Alan Sugar, supporting him on the UK television series "The Apprentice” in addition to sitting in the House of Lords, writing several books and serving as the Vice Chairman of West Ham United Football Club since 2010. Her most unique and copy-worthy skills are strategy, networking, business acumen and mentorship. She’s a great advocate and powerful champion in the corner of dozens of fresh entrepreneurs who can learn from her expertise and thrive under her guidance. And she’s shown that the real skill is expertise across many sectors, being truly adaptable and up for any challenge.
This little green shop in Brighton, England would go on to be a global phenomenon and a force for good in the world. As founder of The Body Shop, Dame Anita Roddick is a pioneering businesswoman known for creating an ethical and environmentally conscious beauty brand. Her mission is simple, make good-quality beauty products from ethical and natural ingredients and simple, refillable packaging. She’s never been afraid to take a stand for women and the world, teaming up with Greenpeace and dozens of other causes over their long history. She’s a real beacon of entrepreneurship as activism, showing that leadership, social responsibility and creativity can become a market advantage. Follow in her shoes by creating a socially ethical brand that seeks to improve the world and be an active force within that brand as its figurehead.
The famed business magnate and television personality, Lord Alan Sugar is the founder of consumer electronics firm Amstrad and star of "The Apprentice" in the UK. He’s also served in the UK government as an enterprise advisor and business advocate. He’s been selling things since childhood, showing a real knack for business and a ‘get stuck in’ attitude that he espouses to this day. To be like him, get ready to roll your sleeves up. Become skilled in negotiation, decision-making and marketing. Share the stories of your innovations through public speaking engagements and never shy away from a television appearance. This keeps you top of mind and increases your credibility overall with the wider public.
A businesswoman and author, Dame Helena Morrissey, DBE is the former CEO of Newton Investment Management. She's a life peer in the House of Lords and advocates for gender equality while contributing to discussions on finance. She studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Corpus Christi College in Oxford University; using that foundation to propel her into an illustrious financial career where she fought for gender diversity, founding the "30% Club" in 2010 to increase the representation of women on corporate boards. And she’s her own success story, being a self-made female CEO and peer. To follow a similar path, get familiar with finance, diversity and inclusion, public speaking, organisational change, gender equality issues and board governance practices. Then you too might change the face of global boardrooms forever.
Looking for a home for your passion? Have a peek at trending careers in business, accountancy and finance for more inspiration.
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University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton. BL3 5AB
Part of the University of Bolton Group
University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton. BL3 5AB
Part of the University of Bolton Group