Tom Ward (cen) and Mike Kent (r) pick up their award

SUCCESS was at the double for Sheffield Hallam University and its Enterprise Centre as former students who used its expertise to boost business scooped gongs at the Sheffield Business Awards.

Andrew Seaton, from Resolve IT, and Tom Ward and Mike Kent, from Kitlocker.com, both  acknowledged the role played by the Enterprise Centre in shaping their businesses, as they collected their awards for Young Business Person of the Year and Excellence in Retail respectively.

The Enterprise Centre is dedicated to supporting research and developing a spirit of enterprise in students and staff, while encouraging collaborative relationships with business.

Mike Smith, Sheffield Hallam University's Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Transfer, said: "I am delighted with the successes from this year's business awards.

"Andrew, Tom and Mike are just three of the students who have benefited from a range of expertise and initiatives offered by the University and designed to develop business acumen through the sharing of knowledge and skills."

Mr Seaton began Resolve IT Solutions in 2004 and in the past year has doubled turnover, increased profitability by 40% and grown the team by 60%.

The Sheffield-based company works with schools and businesses on a range of IT services.

Mr Kent and Mr Ward co-founded Kitlocker.com, the UK's leading online University sport and leisurewear specialist, in 2005.

The Sheffield Business Awards 2009 were organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce in association with Star Business Monthly.

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