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University's enterprising talent named

The University of Sunderland’s brightest business talent were celebrated last night at the Sunderland heat of Blueprint. The business planning competition attracted entries from across the university’s schools and departments, with 22 making it through to the final, held at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland.The awards were divided into five categories, with the inclusion of the new Alumni Award which was presented to Ben Quigly of Different, Newcastle based Ad agency. Amongst the other winners were an online bank of downloadable gay and lesbian literature, an innovative animation studio combining latest digital technology with traditional techniques and Mini-halers – making attractive inhalers for young children.However, the night belonged to Herbees and Juo Ltd, who not only won their respective categories, but were also nominated as overall winners, progressing through to the regional competition in October this year.Herbees, created by Sunderland student Denise McLeary, is a social enterprise which aims to increase employment opportunities in the horticultural sector for local adults with learning disabilities. The plan, which picked up the Hatchery’s Business Award, will serve the North East’s hotels and restaurants with fresh, locally grown herbs.Juo Ltd, winners of the Creativiworks Creative Industry award, is a partnership between designers Jessamy Kelly and Joanne Mitchell. The company makes contemporary fused glasswear for the design-conscious consumer.Both of these companies, together with eight other entries from the region’s five universities will compete for a prize package worth over £50,000 in cash, plus in-kind business support at the Blueprint Grand Final on Wednesday 18th October. For more information about the Final and to reserve your table, please contact Rebecca Dunn on 0191 334 3207 or email r.a.dunn@dur.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .