QMYOU Alumni Magazine Issue 89 March 2022 | Page 12

12 QMYOU / Supporting Entrepreneurship

Prue Leith gets down to business in support of female entrepreneurship

We enjoy a cosy fireside chat at QMU , and although there were lots of laughs , two of QMU ’ s most impressive business leaders were debating the important issue of female entrepreneurship .

IN NOVEMBER , CAROLYN CURRIE , our Entrepreneur in Residence , kick-started QMU ’ s drive to accelerate female entrepreneurship with a personal and insightful fireside chat with the Chancellor of the University , Dame Prue Leith .

Prue , who is also an entrepreneur , TV presenter , cook , restauranteur and writer , provided an entertaining and candid overview of her business highs and lows , and shone a light on the challenges often facing women in business , particularly in the hospitality and food sectors .
It was an entertaining event , enjoyed in-person by industry professionals , female business owners and QMU graduates , as well as by an online audience .
Carolyn said : “ It was a privilege to talk to Dame Prue Leith about her hugely varied career as a cook , restauranteur , cook school owner , author , and TV host and critic . She hammered home the necessity of researching a business idea before investing , and showed us that a positive , ‘ can-do ’ attitude coupled with hard work , determination and resilience are important attributes for a successful career as an entrepreneur .”
Caroline Currie interviews Dame Prue Leith
QMU Principal meets entrepreneurs at Dame Prue Leith fireside chat

Meet the entrepreneurs made at QMU

STARTING OUT IN business is no mean feat , that ’ s why QMU ’ s Business Innovation Zone provides much needed support to students and graduates during the challenging early years of business development . By providing free working space , networking opportunities , workshops , and access to funding steams and award opportunities , we ’ re giving new entrepreneurs the best chance of success .

This year , we are supporting 48 start-ups . Let ’ s introduce you to some of our female entrepreneurs .

12 QMYOU / Supporting Entrepreneurship