An Uxbridge College student fundraiser which last year raised more than £1,500 for Michael Sobell Hospice is being sponsored in 2014 by Basepoint business centres.

Basepoint Eastcote have donated £750 ‘seed funding’ for student teams to set up small businesses designed to make a profit for the hospice based at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood.

The Max the Cash 2014 initiative was launched at Uxbridge College with the support of the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon, Cllr Allan and Mrs Lynne Kauffman.

Student teams are already busy planning their fundraising activities which so far include Valentine’s Day events, selling Halal food, making and selling an original music CD, and running a car wash service.

Cllr Allan Kauffman, the Mayor of Hillingdon, said: "The Mayoress and I were delighted to join Uxbridge College and Basepoint to mark the launch of this initiative to support Michael Sobell Hospice. This is a cause close to our hearts, as one of the charities I am supporting as this year's Mayor of Hillingdon is the borough's other excellent hospice in Harlington. Having worked with the college over the year, we know how many great ideas the students have, as well as the enthusiasm and skills to succeed with them. We also appreciate Basepoint's generous support and wish everyone involved in the project the very best of luck."

Sharon McCann, Citizenship & Volunteering Activities Co-ordinator at Uxbridge College, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to run Max the Cash for a second year with the generous support of Basepoint in Eastcote. Not only have they provided funding to get the businesses started, it is also a great opportunity for these entrepreneurial students to learn from their business expertise. Our teams have a hard act to follow after last year’s success, but with so many great ideas and such enthusiasm, there is no reason why they shouldn’t do just as well or better.”

Kevin Rose, Regional Manager for Basepoint, said: “When we were approached by Michael Sobell Hospice, we did not hesitate to offer our support to the Max the Cash 2 initiative. It is a rare opportunity to be able to encourage entrepreneurial spirit within the next generation, with the additional benefit of raising funds for our nominated local charity. We cannot wait to see the results of the great ideas the students have over the course of the next few months.”

Geraint Hughes, Michael Sobell Hospice’s Corporate and Trusts Fundraising Manager, said: “We are thrilled that Uxbridge College students are once again applying their entrepreneurial drive, enthusiasm and teamworking to boost our fundraising for Michael Sobell Hospice. With Basepoint Business Centres’ backing we are confident that the students will turn a healthy profit and wish them every success in their endeavours on our behalf.”