Ultimo entrepreneur Michelle Mone to speak at BCU

ENTREPRENEUR and Ultimo lingerie founder Michelle Mone is to lead a business event in Birmingham showcasing how universities can encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth in the region.
 
The businesswoman, who was recently made Baroness Mone of Mayfair and tasked with completing a rapid and wide ranging review of enterprise for David Cameron’s cabinet team, will speak at Birmingham City University’s ‘BCU Advantage’ launch on Wednesday November 4.  
 
She will provide insights on innovating in business, how her own business journey developed since leaving school at the age of 15 and how partnering closely with a university in the early days of her business development helped her on her road to success.
 
“Birmingham is a vibrant city full of young talent and I can’t wait to visit as part of my government review to learn more about how Birmingham City University is reaching out to help foster growth,” said Baroness Mone, who sold an 80% stake in her lingerie firm in a multi-million pound deal last year.
 
“I had my first business idea when I was 10 and have proven that with passion and determination, the world is your oyster.
 
“Behind the passion, you also need expert advice and the role of universities in helping businesses grow cannot be underestimated. My first employee at Ultimo was a graduate and the innovation I embedded in the Ultimo business with the support of my local university was a key factor in its long-term success.”
 
She said she was a firm believer that enterprise and entrepreneurship skills should be taught from primary schools through to higher education, and that business people should make time to mentor young talent.
 
BCU Advantage is the new business growth service from Birmingham City University. Working with a range of expert partners, the service has been created to help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals.
 
“The networking event and service launch will help business professionals get money, get knowledge and get connected,” said Mark Smith, Director of BCU Advantage.