New Directions is just around the corner! Are you ready?

The Centre for Enterprise is abuzz with New Directions activity! The space around our desks is taken over with stationery and promotional materials and each day, someone gives a hearty shout of the number of registered attendees. The girls who're heading up the event are excited and cannot wait for the event, but they are aware that a few more people who're looking to start their own business haven't taken advantage of this amazing opportunity. To make sure that everyone who could benefit from the event gets the opportunity to attend, they've taken the time to answer some questions that might be coursing through your mind:

       What can I expect to gain from attending this programme?

New Directions is a brand new course aimed at providing a career springboard for people who want to launch their own business or be enterprising in their dream role.  Led by a team of business leaders and career management specialists, you will be given access to the latest knowledge, networks, information and skills necessary to achieve your goals.

       What if I have a vague idea of the type of business I’d like to start but no concrete ideas?

Then New Directions is perfect for you.  You will be supported to shape out your emerging idea or even come up with new ideas with people with a wide range of skills that will give you the support you need.  If you don’t have a business idea, don’t worry! Come along and learn about how to build your personal brand.

       Why is this programme important for me as a student?

Studying for a degree is a fantastic experience but having additional skills, knowledge and experience will ensure you stand out from the crowd. New Directions will equip you with practical knowledge that you can apply to your own field of study.  It is increasingly important to be able to demonstrate that you can see the difference between an idea and a viable business idea and between an opportunity and a business opportunity.  We can help you to achieve that!

       I think I have a really good business idea; will I learn what steps to take next?

Yes, definitely. The MMU enterprise support team will be on hand to offer practical and individual support to you and give you time to talk about your business idea. You will also be able to learn a range of other key skills that you will need to work for yourself.

       What kind of support and direction can I hope to get in terms of becoming a better enterpriser?

A team of experienced enterprise educators and business professionals have put together a complete programme of activities for New Directions that enable you to develop or showcase your enterprise capability. So you will learn how to build your personal brand, apply your skills to solve a real life business challenge and learn how to motivate yourself to create and exploit opportunities.  All you have to do is sign up.

       Who is coordinating the event?

The North West Enterprise Champions team have designed, written and planned New Directions. We have helped over 1,000 MMU students to become more enterprising or launch their own business since 2008 (and we are passionate about it!).

       How do I know if the event is right for me?

Every new graduate needs more than a good degree to succeed after graduation. Employers are increasingly expecting their new recruits to have a working knowledge of how organisations work, be they big businesses, small businesses or social enterprises in both the public and private sectors. New Directions is designed specifically to equip you with those essential skills, knowledge and experience. It will be fun too!

       There’s huge competition in the field of start-up businesses, will I learn anything useful to help me stand out from the pack?

Absolutely.  You will work closely with the MMU Entrepreneur in Residence, the CEO of Eco2Life, who is an experienced entrepreneur but who has also had a highly distinguished corporate career. He will share some of his knowledge, experience and networks to enable you to stand out from the competition. However, we will work with you as an individual as the best asset your new business has is you!

       What kind of experience do the coordinators of the event have in this area?

The coordinators have a collective experience of over 50 years in helping people to develop their enterprise knowledge, skills and experience.  We are also experienced at helping graduates to start their own business. We can’t wait to meet you and learn about your ideas.

   Is this really completely free? Where’s the catch?

Yes. New Directions is completely free to attend and all refreshments are provided free too.