SEGRO has teamed up with Uxbridge College to help raise funds for a local charity, Michael Sobell Hospice, courtesy of a student challenge. The initiative, titled ‘Max the Cash’, is designed to encourage teams of students to develop a business idea from initial seed funding, and maximise the return on investment. SEGRO provided the initial funding.

Eleven teams, drawn from the Young Dragons Student Enterprise Society, have developed business plans that are marketing and selling products and services to the public, with proceeds from this initiative donated to the local Michael Sobell Hospice.

The competition was launched a few weeks ago, and the winners will be announced at a closing event on 11th July, which will be held at Uxbridge College’s Campus.

One of the key stages of the competition was completed this week at the Get Set for Summer event, held in The Mall Pavilions shopping centre in Uxbridge, which the College and SEGRO were kindly allowed to use free of charge. Max the Cash students had the chance to sell their services and products which included a diverse range of food products from cakes to ethnic dishes, as well as t-shirts and customised picture frames. Get Set for Summer, which also offered free activities and careers advice supported by Uxbridge College, was visited by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Allan Kauffman.

Sharon McCann, Uxbridge College’s Volunteering and Citizenship Coordinator, said: “Progress to date from our teams has been extremely encouraging, with some of the teams seeing a five fold return on investment. These practical experiences offer real exposure to the world of business and are priceless for entrepreneurial students at Uxbridge College. It’s been encouraging to see that many of the students have grown in confidence through the process. We look forward to seeing how much is raised for the local hospice by the end of the competition.”

Neil Impiazzi, SEGRO’s Partnerships Development Manager, added: “SEGRO is pleased to see that the challenge is providing to be a success, raising money for the Michael Sobell Hospice charity and encouraging entrepreneurship in the Borough. It was great that the Mayor of Hillingdon came to support the initiative. This is another great example of SEGRO investing in young people to help increase skills and employability.”

Geraint Hughes, Michael Sobell Hospice’s Corporate and Trusts Fundraising Manager, said: “This initiative is a great way for young students to employ their energy and entrepreneurial skills whilst at the same time supporting the hospice which provides a vital community resource.”