Central Workshops
Our workshops to help you develop your skills and start-up opportunity. Our workshops will help you develop your personal and business skills, find peer-to-peer support, and find the time to work on your start-up.
Creativity & Innovation - Generating Ideas that Work
Unlocking creativity, fuelling innovation...
Every great business begins with a great idea - but how do you generate them and how do you know which ones are worth pursuing? In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore practical tools and techniques for sparking creativity, thinking differently and spotting opportunities others might miss.
START UP Sandbox: Build, Test, Validate
From Idea to Prototype
Testing, shaping, and building the foundations of your business...
This six-part workshop series is designed for students who are exploring a business idea and want to bring it to life step-by-step. From understanding your value and your market to building a business model, designing a minimum viable product, and creating your first budget, Sandbox gives you the tools to validate and shape your ideas in a supportive environment.
Whilst we encourage you to sign up to the whole series, you may pick and choose which sessions you attend. For this reason, please sign up to each session and social individually.
Sandbox - Semester 1
Semester 1:
1. Induction and Community Social - Wednesday 15 October, 15:00 - 16:00
2. Validation: Understand Your Value & Your Market - Wednesday 22 October, 15:00 - 16:30
3. Build Your Business Model - Wednesday 29 October, 15:00 - 16:30
4. Design Your Minimum Viable Product - Wednesday 12 November, 15:00 - 16:30
5. Build Your First Business Budget - Wednesday 19 November, 15:00 - 16:30
6. Pitch Perfect: Present Your Ideas with Impact - Wednesday 26 November, 15:00 - 16:30
We’ll end this workshop series with another START UP Community Social to celebrate all you’ve achieved together.
Sandbox - Semester 2
Semester 2:
1. Induction and Community Social - Wednesday 28 January, 15:00 - 16:00
2. Validation: Understand Your Value & Your Market - Wednesday 4 February, 15:00 - 16:30
3. Build Your Business Model - Wednesday 11 February, 15:00 - 16:30
4. Design Your Minimum Viable Product - Wednesday 18 February, 15:00 - 16:30
5. Build Your First Business Budget - Wednesday 25 February, 15:00 - 16:30
6. Pitch Perfect: Present Your Ideas with Impact - Wednesday 4 March, 15:00 - 16:30
We’ll end this workshop series with another START UP Community Social to celebrate all you’ve achieved together.
START UP Launchpad: Develop, Launch, Scale
From Prototype to Market
Sharpening your strategy and preparing to grow...
This six-part workshop series is for students ready to take their ideas further and think about growth. You’ll explore how to develop a go-to-market strategy, brand your business, understand funding and investment options, and navigate intellectual property in the UK. Launchpad gives you the confidence and know-how to position your business for success.
Whilst we encourage you to sign up to the whole series, you may pick and choose which sessions you attend. For this reason, please sign up to each session and social individually.
Launchpad - Semester 1
Semester 1:
1. Induction and Community Social - Wednesday 15 October, 15:00 - 16:00
2. Develop Your Go-To-Market Strategy - Wednesday 22 October, 17:00 - 18:30
3. Brand Your Business - Wednesday 29 October, 17:00 - 18:30
4. Navigate Funding and Investment Options - Wednesday 12 November 17:00 - 18:30
5. Navigate Intellectual Property in the UK - Wednesday 19 November, 17:00 - 18:30
6. Pitch Perfect: Present Your Ideas with Impact - Wednesday 26 November, 15:00 - 16:30
We’ll end this workshop series with another START UP Community Social to celebrate all you’ve achieved together.
Launchpad - Semester 2
Semester 2:
1. Induction and Community Social - Wednesday 28 January, 15:00 - 16:00
2. Develop Your Go-To-Market Strategy - Wednesday 4 February, 17:00 - 18:30
3. Brand Your Business - Wednesday 11 February 17:00 - 18:30
4. Navigate Funding and Investment Option - Wednesday 18 November, 17:00 - 18:30
5. Navigate Intellectual Property in the UK - Wednesday 25 February, 17:00 - 18:30
6. Pitch Perfect: Present Your Ideas with Impact - Wednesday 4 March, 15:00 - 16:30
We’ll end this workshop series with another START UP Community Social to celebrate all you’ve achieved together.
Building a Portfolio with Underpinned
Friday 7 November 14:00 - 15:30
Do you want to create a portfolio that stands out from the crowd?
In 2025, hirers expect portfolios that are clear, results-driven, and (most importantly) tailored, showing impact, relevant skills, and professional presentation.
Whether you’re exploring freelancing as an option, starting a side hustle or already running your own venture, this workshop offers practical insights to help you present yourself professionally and start onboarding new clients.
By joining this session, you will:
- understand why portfolios matter for freelance and self-employed careers
- be guided to structure and build your own portfolio that align with the expectations for 2025
- learn through peer discussion and practical exercises
- leave with resources for ongoing development after the session
START UP Shop Front: Get trading & Showcase your work
A series of hands-on workshops and events designed for students who are already running their own small business or creative venture. Whether you’re selling on Etsy, freelancing, or trading at markets, this programme is here to help you level up. With tailored support from the START UP team, our Shop Front series will help you strengthen your brand, sharpen your business skills, and get Pop-Up ready.
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Tuesday 18 Nov - Online and On the Shelf: How to Get Seen & Sell Everywhere
Date: 18 November
Time: 16:00–17:30
Delivered by: Rachel from Mayfli
Overview:
Discover how to sell your products effectively both online and in person. This session will help you understand where to sell, how to market, and what costs to consider as you grow consistent sales.
You’ll learn:
- The pros and cons of selling through online marketplaces versus your own website
- How to market your products effectively to build consistent sales
- Key costs to consider when selling online — from platform fees to packaging, postage, and your time
Tuesday 25 Nov - Pop-Up Get Trading Huddle
Date: 25 November
Time: 15:00 - 16:30
Ready to turn ideas into action?
The Get Trading Huddle is your space to connect, collaborate, and get practical about your next move. Led by an Entrepreneurship and Start-up Consultant, this interactive session will help you identify clear next steps and take action with confidence. Whether you’re shaping your first product, seeking funding, or gearing up to sell, you’ll gain clarity, momentum, and support from both the facilitator and a community of fellow entrepreneurs.
Tuesday 2 Dec - Stand Out Selling: Top Tips for Visual Merchandising
Date: 2 December
Time: 16:00–17:00
Overview:
Make your stall, shop, or display impossible to ignore. Whether you’re selling at a market, pop-up, or in-store, this workshop covers the essentials of visual merchandising — how to create an eye-catching, on-brand display that attracts attention and drives sales.
You’ll learn how to:
- Attract attention with effective layouts, signage, and colour
- Tell your brand story through visuals and props
- Design displays for stalls, shelves, and window spaces
- Use height, lighting, and space to your advantage
- Encourage interaction and boost customer engagement
Perfect for: Students selling at markets, pop-ups, or in-store who want to bring their products to life and make a memorable impression that drives sales.