Business start-up success stories

The Cube inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs

The Cube team believe that people are inspired from other's examples. That’s why we work closely with our students and graduates to understand their particular idea, needs, and aspirations for starting a business and we provide advice, resources, training and support. 
Get inspired to make your business idea come to life with our support! 

Success stories

Read the success stories of University of Plymouth students and graduates who have used our services and of which we are extremely proud.

Casper Kruger Casper Kruger

Steph Buttery Steph Buttery

Jason Ratcliffe Jason Ratcliffe

Structural Evolution Ltd – Founder: Casper Kruger

About the company

Structural Evolution Ltd is a structural engineering consultancy specialising in the product development of advanced composite structures which has achieved a turnover of £70,000 in 2022.
Our knowledge extends to the civil, subsea, and renewable markets with a focus on structures that will benefit from the design flexibility offered by fibre reinforced polymers.
We strive to support our clients to sustainably develop their concepts to reality.
<p>Casper Kruger</p>

Company key facts

  • A Founder studying: PhD Mechanical Engineering
  • x Business established: 2020
  • ' Industry sector: Engineering
  • * Annual turnover: £70,000
  • É Year 3 forecast: £140,000
  • ( Location: Plymouth

Impacts and outcomes

Growth
With the help of The Cube services, I have managed to build and grow a business within 24 months from start to established, with a predicted year 3 turnover of £140,000.
Big Idea Challenge and Training
Through The Cube's One Hundred £100's Big Idea Challenge I was introduced to a network of of over 30 like-minded peers who are also innovators in business .

 

Financial expert advice
The Cube introduced me to experts in finance and marketing. I had five free appointments which would have cost my business around £750.
Resources and training
Through The Cube I secured 12 months worth of high level engineering training and accessed the NAFEMS PSE (Professional Simulation Engineer) Certification training which catapulted my knowledge for future projects.

What did you gain from The Cube?

I was given access to a wealth of information and resources that aided in the successful setup of my new venture. Attending events provided insight in to other businesses and promoted in-depth discussions with likeminded entrepreneurs.”

Casper Kruger

 
 

Chu Lo – Founder: Steph Buttery

About the company

Chu Lo is a caffeine free, reduced sugar soft drink brand which has seen sales grow from £15,000 to £400,000 in 2022.
Chu Lo was inspired by my travels in Japan where I enjoyed sour drinks, but returning to the UK I couldn't find any thing quite like it.
So in 2019 I set to work creating my own brand which is now retailed online and available at Yo! Sushi, HMV and Game.
<p>Steph Buttery</p>

Company key facts

  • A Founder studied: Defence Studies
  • x Business established: 2019
  • ' Industry sector: Food and Drink
  • * Annual turnover: £400,000
  • É Year 3 forecast: £3,000,000
  • ( Location: Manchester

Impacts and outcomes

Growth
With the help of funding from The Cube I have grown the business and am predicting a £3 million turnover by 2023.
Employment
The Cube's funding has enabled me to go from being just myself in the business to a team of six.

 

Product range
A funding award from The Cube in 2021 helped me to increase my product range to six flavours and bring the new products to the market ahead of a TV appearance in 2022.
Resources and training
I accessed free 1:1 support from The Cube with experts in marketing/branding and financial planning to support me with the development of my brand. 

What did you gain from The Cube?

The Cube’s support has allowed me to take strides in the business beyond what I could do myself.”

Steph Buttery

 

Steren Surveyors UK Ltd – Founder: Jason Ratcliffe

About the company

Steren Surveyors UK Ltd launched in 2021 and has hit a turnover of £400k in 2022.
The company launched to fill the void for a new and modern mindset within residential and commercial surveying within the UK.
Achieving a high number of 5 star Google reviews and creating a strong relationship with local professionals and clients alike.
<p>Jason Ratcliffe</p>

Company key facts

  • A Founder studied: MSc Real Estate
  • x Business established: 2021
  • ' Industry sector: Built Environment
  • * Annual turnover: £400,000
  • É Year 3 forecast: £1,200,000
  • ( Location: Redruth

Impacts and outcomes

Growth
With the help of The Cube services, I have managed to build and grow a business within 12 months from start to established, with a predicted year 3 turnover of £1.2 million.
Employment
Due to the limited number of trained surveyors available, we invest and train surveyors in house, using our comprehensive training programme and have grown to a team of seven.

 

Networking opportunities
The Cube introduced me to a diverse range of entrepreneurs, up and coming business owners and inspiring industry leading professionals.
Investment
Through The Cube I secured funding that enabled me to invest in new areas of my business and gave me the opportunity to help other students gain more experience within the industry.

What did you gain from The Cube?

The Cube allowed me to invest in new areas of my business, increasing the amount of opportunities for ‘real world’ training for local students and widen our marketing campaigns.”

Jason Ratcliffe

 
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