ENTERPRISING students have been given the chance to test out their business ideas on the people of Huddersfield.
Kirklees Council and Huddersfield University got together to enable business students and those involved in the university’s Business Mine to set up a short-term stall at Queensgate Market.
The students will be able to carry out market research – vital to the success of their products – as well as trade from the stall.
The first one to take advantage of the initiative is graduate Neil Kaye, who has set up shop with his range of clothing called Gemowear.
Neil launched the business online, but is now using his “pitch” to test the local market.
He said :“I set up Gemowear to provide high-quality, low-cost, printing solutions for any occasion.
“I specialise in hen and stag parties, promotion wear, nights out, work wear, safety wear, band merchandise, holidays, birthdays, one-off gifts, uniforms, corporate wear, groups and organisations, sportswear – or any special occasion!”
Students are also able to use a “demonstration zone” – which will be taken over in September by other students with their Fasta Pasta range.
Fasta Pasta will be cooking up a wide range of pasta dishes – with the aim of becoming the number one choice for convenient and healthy food at a price level that makes it available to all.
Other entrepreneurs are being lined up to take the stalls over the next six months.
Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Council cabinet member for regeneration and investment, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the university to offer students this fantastic opportunity, which will also bring vibrancy to the market.
“The regular changing ownership will add intrigue and interest and they will bring new clientele into the market.
“We hope that the students will go on to set up their own business and continue to trade within our markets.”
