Creative hub for entrepreneurs makes the SHIFT online during global pandemic
TYPICALLY , THE SCENE at SHIFT - a week-long summer school run in conjunction by QMU , the Glasgow School of Art and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - would have been one of creative entrepreneurs huddled up in groups , busy brainstorming and collaborating on different projects .
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , SHIFT 2020 had to move online , but that didn ' t mean that last year ' s event was any less a hive of activity than in previous years . With SHIFT regarded nationally as an exemplar in university collaboration , the partners worked with the Creative Entrepreneurs ’ Club to develop a new website ( www . shiftintoyourfuture . com ) and pivot the whole event online .
With over 100 students across the three institutions and four other universities taking part , SHIFT 2020 was a progressive programme of interactive workshops , activities and break-out conversations and reflections facilitated by over 40 leaders in design innovation , performing and production arts , screen , curation and creative project management – among others .
Feedback from the participants was excellent :
" I went into SHIFT unsure what to do with my future , having hit a wall in regards to my creativity during lockdown . SHIFT has got me back into my creative thinking and inspired me to pursue my ideas I had previously put to one side . I have developed substantial business knowledge in order to make this idea reality . I have learnt so much over this week and the speakers have really motivated me to be the best version of myself .
" Thank you , team SHIFT , for an amazing , creative and interactive week ! I am so thankful I was accepted onto the course ." ❒
Wine app quenches thirst for online training
While the ongoing pandemic has proven to be a
challenging time for many a small business , some online ventures have experienced considerable growth . This has undoubtedly been the case for Quenchable , an insightful wine training app targeted towards the hospitality industry .
Officially launched in May 2020 after an 18-month development period , the app is the brainchild of Edinburgh based entrepreneur and QMU Gastronomy graduate , Nikki Welch . Nikki received regular support from the University ' s on-campus Business Innovation Zone ( BIZ ). In an interview with The Herald , she said : " They have helped us make connections and access funding , specifically from Santander , that has allowed us to continue to innovate and support our customers during the pandemic ."
Although the closure of the hospitality sector has been a worrying time for Quenchable , the app experienced a reversal of fortune after creating an offer allowing furloughed hospitality staff , with a bit of extra time on their hands , to access the app for just £ 1 . Nikki said : " By doing this we were able to connect with our users directly , and this has provided us with a new market and a direct conversation with the people who need the app .”
Here ' s raising a glass to their continued success ! ❒
16 QMYOU / Shaping Futures Through Entrepreneurship