Ten teams of students from the University of Bath are finalising business plans that will see them bring new life to an empty shop in the city centre for ten days from Tuesday 10 November.
Each student team will take ownership of the shop at 7a Lower Borough Walls for one day only, setting up their own retail business from scratch and hoping to persuade local shoppers to part with their cash.
The retail action will be available to watch online from Tuesday 10 November through a live webcam.
Priyesh Patel and his team will bring a taste of India to the city centre on the first day of opening (Tuesday 10 November), transforming the shop to give an Indian Experience to customers who want to try traditional Indian teas, savouries and sweets, and even try out an Indian head, back or neck massage.
The students are taking part in a competition organised by the Students’ Union in conjunction with Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES). Each team will get to run their business in the shop for one day only, from a £200 start-up fund and expert advice from local business mentors.
Other businesses lined up for the shop include: Winter Warmers, serving homemade soups including a special chocolate variety; and Aptus Suits, offering bespoke tailoring together with handmade ties and cufflinks.
The student businesses will make a video diary reflecting on their experiences and the quality of this package, together with the takings, will decide the winner to be announced in a grand finale at the Guildhall, on Friday 20 November.
Priyesh Patel, a 22-year-old final year student in aerospace engineering, said: “We want to bring something different to Bath and give people a small taste of India. As the weather is getting colder we’re giving shoppers the chance to try traditional ‘masala’ teas, hot chocolate and fruit drinks, made with warming spices which are great for relieving aching bones and winter colds.
“We’re hoping people will like it and will be curious enough to come in and enjoy the relaxing, peaceful environment, surrounded by Indian fabrics, gentle music and a traditional Indian movie for people who are interested.”
Siobain Hone, Student Enterprise Coordinator, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to try out their entrepreneurial ambitions and to play a part in Bath’s retail economy. They’ve had a very short space of time to come up with their ideas and put plans into action. It’s going to be a steep learning curve and it’s very exciting to see what they come up with and the reactions of potential customers.”
B&NES are landlords of the shop and are backing the project to bring student entrepreneurship into the city. Councillor Francine Haeberling, leader of the Council, said: “Bath and North East Somerset Council is delighted to be supporting the University of Bath on this exciting project. Students make a huge contribution to Bath and this project will give them the opportunity to learn and develop valuable new skills. It will also complement work being done through the Student Community Partnership to get students involved in the wider community.”
Professor Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor of the University, added: “We are very pleased to work with Bath and North East Somerset Council to offer our students this unique opportunity within the local community. The University has a strong tradition of producing entrepreneurial graduates, and this project is an important step in developing their skills, knowledge and ambition.”
For more information about the project please visit the Student Enterprise Website.