The winners of a student business challenge organised by SEGRO and Uxbridge College were announced during a special event, with all proceeds raised by the challenge donated to Michael Sobell Hospice in Northwood.

The ‘Max the Cash’ initiative presented eleven student teams with the chance to develop a business plan to maximise an initial start-up investment. £550 was donated by SEGRO for the initiative, with funds then split between the teams, and an impressive £1508 raised through the challenge.

The winning team, Miracle Workers, developed a business plan to provide gardening services to the local area, and also encouraged their customers to donate to the hospice through tax relief scheme Gift Aid, which generated a total revenue of over £600 (a 1200% return on the initial investment of £50). The winning team did not spend any of their start-up funding as they used their own gardening tools plus their customers’ composts and pesticides. In addition, ‘the most innovative idea’ award was presented to students who offered a photo booth service with pictures emailed directly to their customers.

The winners’ event was attended by Uxbridge College staff, participating students, Michael Sobell Hospice, SEGRO and the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Allan Kauffman and he Mayoress Mrs Lynne Kauffman. Prizes for the overall winners, the runner-up and the most innovative idea were awarded at the event, in addition to the charitable donation to Michael Sobell Hospice. The initiative received positive feedback from participating students, with each team benefiting from feedback and the opportunity to reflect on their business ideas.

Sharon McCann, Uxbridge College’s Volunteering and Citizenship Coordinator, said: “It was great to see the students apply their entrepreneurial spirit to this challenge. Each student that has taken part has gained practical business experience and real exposure to the world of business. Uxbridge College and its students are delighted to have partnered with SEGRO to help generate £1508 for Michael Sobell Hospice through this unique challenge. In addition, The Mayor of Hillingdon was impressed by the students’ entrepreneurialism and was very supportive towards this initiative.”

Neil Impiazzi, Partnerships Development Manager for SEGRO, a leading international property company, added: “We are pleased to see that many of the students managed to generate a great return on their investment, while also practically developing their business and enterprise skills. This has been a great opportunity to invest in young people and for such an important local charity to benefit financially from their efforts.”

Geraint Hughes, Michael Sobell Hospice’s Corporate and Trusts Fundraising Manager, said: “We are extremely thankful to the students for the time and effort they put in to raising funds for us. These young entrepreneurs did a stellar job throughout the challenge. This donation will help us towards our annual funding target, and enable us to continue providing specialist patient care.”