Meet the Essex Startups team

Head of Start-Up Support

Andy champions starting a business as an alternative route that students should explore after they graduate. He has previously run his own freelance copywriting and marketing business, managed a 2000-person nightclub, helped run a family-owned business, and established a co-working space with a community of 52 businesses. Andy is passionate about start-ups, with a particular focus on MVP development, low cost marketing strategies, and early-stage traction.

Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Manager

Lauren offers support to aspiring entrepreneurs with her wealth of knowledge and expertise in the start-up sector, from content and programme creation to delivery and mentoring sessions. Lauren has a great deal of knowledge for international founders who wish to set up business here in the UK. Having founded a number of start-ups herself, Lauren provides first-hand insight into the day-to-day running of a small business.

Enterprise Officer

Alexa supports students and graduates to explore their entrepreneurial mindset. She offers 1:1 support, as well as creating and delivering exciting and engaging content for the team's workshop programme, whilst also being instrumental in providing funding opportunities where available. Alexa's background in marketing and advertising allows her to offer expertise in these particular areas of start-up support. Also, having worked at the University for over 16 years, she has garnered an comprehensive level of insight into various sources of support, advice and expertise.

Enterprise Officer

Emily works with current Essex students and recent graduates on their business ideas via 1:1 mentoring, workshops, events and funding opportunities. Additionally, she supports the work of Angels@Essex to help progress start-up businesses with further funding and connect with angel investors for future development.

Enterprise Officer

Simon brings a broad base of international corporate, not-for-profit and HE experience to the Essex Startups team. He offers 1:1 and group support for Essex students and graduates who are eager to unleash their entrepreneurial thinking and is passionate about helping those at the beginning of their journey to navigate the road from idea to launch and beyond. Simon’s experience with having run his own London based business also provides valuable insights into the tools and nuances of establishing and growing side hustles and business ventures. Simon also engages with the work of Angels@Essex to connect potential investors with start-ups to provide development funding, taking fledgling businesses to the next level.

Marketing and Communications Officer

Rebecca supports the promotion of the Essex Startups programme of events and services. Her key focus is telling the stories of the University’s community of budding entrepreneurs, to inspire others to achieve their ambitions.

Entrepreneur in Residence

James has had an extensive career working in multiple industries, including 30 years in finance and capital markets. Since 2011, he has invested in and developed businesses across North Essex. He works with Colbea, a local enterprise agency, delivering accelerator programmes on behalf of Essex County Council. James supports students through mentoring and delivers the iTeams programme. He is co-founder of The Weave, a catalyst for the start-up community, connecting resources to the region, growing capacity, connections, and cash.

Entrepreneur in Residence

Magdalena mentors students from all backgrounds on starting and running their own businesses across various industries. She leads numerous workshops and designs programs to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop their skills in idea creation, market validation, business finance, and marketing and branding. Magdalena's vast experience as an entrepreneur and business owner over the last 10+ years has helped her to continuously provide valuable insights and guidance to students, and helping them turn their ideas into successful businesses. Magdalena is passionate about entrepreneurship and takes pride in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Business Support Manager Angels@Essex

John has five decades of business experience as an accountant, managing director, company secretary, innovator, founder, and investor. He currently manages the University’s Investment Readiness Programme and Angels@Essex Private Equity Investment Platform. He started his career in overseas banking, followed by public utilities and local government, before moving into commerce in PLC’s and SME businesses, and then starting his own accountancy practice and investing in diverse business ventures. With a career spanning almost every sector, John brings a wide knowledge that he likes to share.

Enterprise Assistant

Eszter is responsible for booking 1:1s, dealing with student enquiries, and providing admin support to the Startups team. Her focus is to make sure students experience amazing customer service while supporting the team. Eszter completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Essex in 2020, and has been working at the University ever since. She is currently completing her Masters in Advertising, Marketing and the Media alongside running her own business, founded in 2017.

Communications and Engagement Assistant

Olu is responsible for assisting in marketing and digital communications strategies across Essex Startups’ social media channels. Currently completing a Placement Year while studying Business Administration at the University of Essex Southend Campus, Olu is a proficient photographer with a focus on editorial, events, and fashion photography.