The close proximity of the exciting £250million local regeneration development project at Queens Quay, provided a perfect opportunity for our 1st year HNC Engineering students from Clydebank campus to pitch their ideas & business plans to an industry expert.
The event was part of their communication unit which requires the students to create a proposal for a potential new business at the Queens Quay site. As part of the project they were required to do some research on the local and wider area then create a written proposal in the form of a report then pitch their ideas to a panel.
Bill Marley, agency and development partner at Ryden, who is part of the Queens Quay project kindly gave us his time and listened to the student presentations, asked questions and gave feedback.
The students were tasked with developing and presenting individual ideas showcasing the premises that they would like to see included in the Queens Quay development. The seven students presenting on the day are currently in employment with a range of local organisations including Babcock International, Scottish Leather Group and DSM. All of the group were delighted to successfully pass the unit with positive feedback from Bill and the College team.
The business proposals covered a wide range of industries and ideas including a sports bar, a sealife centre, a ferry crossing and a fitness gym. There were also suggestions for a dessert shop/cafe, a gym & supplement store and a dog friendly café!
The students had a great experience of the project. Luke Copeland, 24 who is employed by Babock said, “Doing the presentations as part of the course will definitely help me in the future.” This feeling was shared by Greg Morrison, 24 who works for DSM commented, “The unit was very useful and will help us to prepare and present information.”
Margret Higgins, Lecturer in Essential skills, said:
“It was a fantastic opportunity to make Queens Quay the focus of the communications unit; This provides valuable experience for the students who can use the skills in their future careers, for example at a job interview or at meetings. The students all put a great deal of effort in to their preparation and research and came up with some fantastic ideas.”
Bill Marley provided all of the students with fantastic feedback and commented:
“The students should be congratulated for their commitment to this project and for their efforts in developing a range of new business ideas. The presentations demonstrated time spent in research and, in many cases, a significant personal interest in an exciting mix of business proposals.”