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At Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, we’re very proud of our reputation for helping students and graduates realise the benefits of freelancing, self-employment and entrepreneurial skills.  

To help more people learn more about what it takes to start and run a business alongside their studies or as a future career, the popular Connect networking series will be returning this academic year. 

Ran in partnership with The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity and supported by Æß²ÊÖ±²¥forLife, the monthly events feature guest speakers from across the country in a relaxed, informal environment. 

The first event of the series will be taking place on Thursday 15 October at the Soar Point pub on The Newarke. 

Stacey Wragg, founder of Voyager VR, has been confirmed for October’s event, with another speaker set to be announced.   

Student and Graduate Enterprise Manager, Simon Baines, who started the Connect series, said: “Students and graduates are telling us they really welcome opportunities to network with other students, graduates, staff or inspirational members of the local business community.

“It doesn’t matter if you already have a side hustle, are interested in freelancing as a future career, or just want to hear from inspirational speakers and develop transferable skills, this is a very informal and fun way to experience networking”. 

October’s event runs from 5pm to 6.30pm and students can .

Previous guest speakers include Neil Clough, runner-up on BBC’s The Apprentice, Will Best, who presented Big Brother on ITV1, and Entrepreneur and presenter Kwoklyn Wan.

Speaking at a previous event, Will told the audience: “Starting any business and building up a product is always going to be really hard. It’s useful to speak to people who have been there and done it and get feedback from them because you can always learn things from speaking to the right people. 

Events will take place in a range of venues throughout the year, including The Exchange, LCB Depot, The Castle Inn and the university’s very own Careers Hub. 

More extracurricular entrepreneurship events are scheduled for the coming weeks, including the annual Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Made Entrepreneurship Awards – also supported by The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity – which takes place on 5 November.