Enterprising BCU students defy high street gloom
A RETAIL initiative launched by Birmingham City University is proving that all is not doom and gloom on the high street.
Last summer BCU launched its own retail outlet, based in Birmingham’s exclusive Mailbox. The unique concept, founded in conjunction with the university’s Birmingham Made Me Campaign, aims to help budding entrepreneurs take their first steps into the world of retail.
The store sells a range of creative products and accessories – made by current Birmingham City University students, graduates and entrepreneurs from across the city – from the arts, lifestyle, fashion and homeware sectors, and includes everything from teddy bears and kitsch handbags to vintage trinkets.
The original store, which opened its doors 10 months ago, has seen turnover reach £25,000 within just a few months of opening and its continued success has seen the opening of a second store.
Beverley Nielsen, Director of Employer Engagement at BCU, said she has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the success of the stores.
“It has been a real success,” she said. “We have just under 30 entrepreneurs between the two stores, and it really has been an invaluable experience for them.”
“As well as getting a start in retail, they have been learning from each other. Those who are better at the financial side of things have been sharing their expertise, while those who know more about publicity have been helping with that.”
Just one of the stores success stories is 29-year-old Alexandria Reed. In May last year, she withdrew the last £28 from her bank account and invested it in crystals, beads and gem stones to kick start her venture – 13Love Jewellery. Since then she has sold almost 30 pieces in-store and many more online.
She said: “I decided to get involved with the store because I was making gemstone jewellery at the time and saw the opportunity to join the scheme so I went for it. I knew it would be great to work alongside other artists, designers and entrepreneurs as we can creatively help each other and use the shop as a platform to progress further.
“I am extremely grateful to Birmingham City University and The Mailbox for the opportunity to be here. The store has shown me how a shop needs to be run and that hard work really does pay off.”
Matt Roberts, volunteer store manager and founder of Bean2Bed said: “I’m extremely proud of what everyone involved with the Birmingham Made Me Stores is achieving. Customers visiting both stores walk away with a feel good factor, knowing that they are supporting local British businesses.”
The BCU Entrepreneur Stores are located on level three of the Mailbox complex, open Tuesday to Sunday.
