Cass Business School MBAs have scooped up awards for their entrepreneurial ventures. The b-schools' start-up support has been crucial in getting their businesses off the ground.
When Beth Hepworth won the Women of the Future: MBA Star award for her entrepreneurial venture, Frontier, she did so after overcoming extreme challenges that most MBAs couldn’t possibly imagine.She set up her digital publishing, research and advisory firm in 2009 before taking on a full-time MBA at City University’s Cass Business School in 2011.
Frontier’s work was focused on Libya and two years after co-founding the company with fellow Director Alex Warren, the Arab Spring reached Libya and a revolution began to unseat the country’s former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
“This effectively forced us to suspend our ongoing work in the country and we had no way of getting back in because of the conflict and no-fly zone,” says Beth.
“I chose an MBA because I needed to do something vocational that would help me develop my business in a 12-month window. It was a forced sabbatical.”
Cass’s strong focus on entrepreneurship and emerging markets was a perfect fit. The 12-month programme helped Beth broaden her perspective and sharpen up her start-up’s strategy.
“We had been so caught up in the excitement of a growing economy in Libya, that we had strayed from our initial plan to expand and grow our market presence,” she says.
“Cass highlighted the importance of fast growth. That approach has been really useful for helping us shape a new business into something that hopefully we can sell in the future.”
Beth has a passion for the Middle East and developed the business with Alex while living in the MENA region. She was working as a freelance consultant for companies hoping to invest in Syria and Morocco and realised the difficulty involved in forming a strategy.
“The analysis was not something that could be gleaned on a seven day trip from London,” she says. “With that in mind we wanted to establish a company which had a local presence.
“We called our company Frontier to highlight the sort of markets where we felt business information was lacking in, and where we hoped we could address a shortfall.”
The start-up provides a country-specific business website for sector trends, and tailored research and advisory to assist companies’ market entry into the region. Frontier also produces reports on key sectors in certain markets.
When the uprising in the Middle East really took root in late 2011, they had to close their offices in both Libya and Syria as civil war unfolded.
“Working in frontier markets always comes with a degree of risk,” she says. “This is not something that many business owners expect to deal with and we struggled.
“We are still grappling with the complexities of post-revolution Libya but I think everyone is at this stage, Libyans included.”
Cass has been helping MBA entrepreneurs succeed since the ‘60s and although challenging, Beth’s start-up was given a major boost by the Cass Entrepreneurship Fund.
Frontier was awarded considerable financial help in June this year from the business schools’ £10 million venture capital fund.
“It’s been vital for our growth plan,” she says. “Our current plan is to have country offices in ten markets within five years. Since June we have opened a fully staffed office in Ghana and are planning to open another in Myanmar in 2014.
“Having the investment from Cass meant that we could invest in people to support our current operations. Alex and I can now spend time expanding into new markets.”
Beth is not is not the only Cass MBA to be awarded for entreprenurial success. Just last month Simo Dragicevic scooped up the Entrepreneurial Venture Award from the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
He saw off competition from graduates at London Business School, becoming the third finalist from Cass who has been in the running for this award for three consecutive years.
His start-up, Bet Buddy, is a B2B software house offering predictive analytics, business intelligence and player messaging products. They help gaming operators understand player behaviour from a marketing and risk perspective and help players to make more informed choices about their play.
But it took an Executive MBA from Cass to turn Simo to entrepreneurship.
Before beginning the programme in 2009, he had worked in the finance industry for several years including stints at Barclays and Accenture. But he thought he had reached a “glass ceiling” and couldn’t progress any further.
He began the EMBA programme while forming ideas for a new business.
“When forming Bet Buddy, I was trying to understand whether we could have predicted the credit crisis,” says Simo. “A friend suggested that I apply this to gaming and gambling in a new area, to predict whether people could have problems in the industry."
While pursuing an EMBA, Simo’s dissertation thesis focused on this area and it provided contacts in the gambling industry.
He developed a research paper, with the help of a Cass lecturer, which was published in a peer review paper. “It was an unlikely use of my MBA,” he says. “But it gave me credibility.”
It was very hard to begin with but Simo focused on academic research and product development, and made enough progress to feel like it was an idea worth sticking with.
He utilized Cass’s co-working space, the Peter Cullum Centre for Entrepreneurship, and it has been important in helping to get his business off the ground.
“It’s been useful to be with other start-ups and to build a relationship with the investment team,” he says. “We’re going through a fundraising round and Cass has helped in terms of using their network of contacts.
“They have introduced me to potential investors and contacts in the gaming industry. An MBA hasn’t been essential but the entrepreneurial model at Cass was great.
“It doesn’t necessarily teach you. Instead, it inspires you.
“It makes your ideas seem more real.”
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
