"Jam Boy" set for Leeds Beckett
AN inspirational young Scottish entrepreneur who established his business aged just 14 is to host a guest lecture at Leeds Beckett University.
Fraser Doherty set up the acclaimed company SuperJam using his gran’s jam recipes a decade ago.
Fraser now supplies jam to more than 2,000 supermarkets around the world in seven countries.
The SuperJam brand is also exhibited in the National Museum of Scotland as an ‘Iconic Scottish Brand’, alongside Irn Bru, Tunnock’s and Baxters.
He’ll be speaking at the university about how motivation and an entrepreneurial approach can drive a new business to success.
During the lecture Fraser will explain how, after selling his produce at farmers’ markets and to delicatessens, he developed a method of producing jam 100% from fruit.
After setting up production, creating a brand and perfecting his recipes, Fraser became the youngest ever supplier to a major supermarket chain when Waitrose launched the range in March 2007.
Fraser commented: “I guess that what my story shows is that something that can begin for anyone as a simple idea in a kitchen or a bedroom, with a bit of love and hard work, can grow into something amazing – something that changes your life, gives you a career and hopefully a chance to give back to your community.”
In 2007 Fraser was named ‘Global Student Entrepreneur of The Year’, the first ever winner from outside North America, one of over 20 awards that the company has received.
Apart from running his business, in 2008, he established a charitable project called ‘SuperJam Tea Parties’ for elderly people living alone, in care homes or sheltered housing.
It has hosted hundreds of events with live music, dancing, scones and SuperJam, where up to 600 people can participate.
In addition he has also written two best-selling books, The SuperJam Cookbook and SuperBusiness, containing jam recipes and, respectively, his story and the lessons he has learned in creating his company.
Paul Houghton, principal lecturer in Leeds Beckett’s faculty of business and law, added: “Fraser Doherty has been on an incredible adventure with his business SuperJam and has achieved so much.
“He is living proof that great success can be achieved if you have a business idea and a goal that you are truly passionate about and are prepared to work for.
“The event entitled ‘Entrepreneurship Motivation and the Start of a Business: The Adventures of Jam Boy’ will conclude with a chance to ask Fraser questions about his journey and career.”
The event – which is free and open to the public – is part of the annual Leeds Business School lecture series and is sponsored by Yorkshire Bank.
The session runs from 5.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday, December 9, at the university’s Rose Bowl.
