ENTERPRISING twins are following in the footsteps of a Dragons’ Den star – by launching their own businesses.

Huddersfield University students Matthew and Jeffrey Postlethwaite are setting up Fasta Pasta Bar in the town’s Queensgate Market and will also launch a new alco-pop, AWSUM, in the autumn.

The 19-year-old twins, who hail from Egremont, Cumbria, are embarking on their new business ventures as part of their studies on the enterprise development degree course, which is championed by Dragon’s Den panellist Theo Paphitis.

Unlike any other course of its kind, the students are required to set up and run their own businesses in order for them graduate at the end of their studies.

This means they get hands-on experience and practice in using and developing the skills which will increases their chances of success in the business world.

Jeffrey is hoping to launch a new style of fast food restaurant called the Fasta Pasta Bar Ltd. The bar will be staffed by students, but aims to appeal to a wide range of people and satisfy the demand for healthy food “on the go”.

He said: “I am hoping to set the shop space up in a similar way to the familiar Subway stores, with a production line system in place.

“Customers will first decide which pasta they would like before moving on to select sauces and toppings and then finally choosing the meal-deal they would like.

“It will be organised as a limited company with two managing directors.”

Matthew’s business is centred on a new brand of alco-pop he has created named AWSUM – which is described as an “exciting, yet affordable, flavoured alcoholic beverage”.

Although his business is still in the initial start-up stages, Matthew hopes to have AWSUM available for purchase in Huddersfield by September – before branching out nationally.

“There has already been a lot of interest shown in the product by potential customers, which is really encouraging,” said Matthew.

“The product is great for students as it is affordable, yet a refreshing alternative to similar products currently on the market.”

As a supporter of the course, Theo Paphitis provides a glowing role model for enterprising students.

Born in Cyprus, he began working as a filing clerk for Lloyds of London when he was 16 before moving into retail at 18 and starting his first business by 23.

As well as appearing on Dragon’s Den, the self-made millionaire chairs high street stationary business Ryman and also has business interests in Movie Media Sports and the Contessa and La Senza lingerie chains.

He received an honorary doctor of business administration award from Huddersfield University in 2009 for his support of its efforts to foster entrepreneurship.