An innovator who created a beanbag to help adults with additional needs manage distressed behaviour and an award-winning jeweller who has featured in a top fashion magazine are among the second cohort of students to have graduated from a unique Masters degree in entrepreneurship at University of Staffordshire.
Supported through the Peter Coates Foundation, the Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship programme offers emerging entrepreneurs the practical business education and funding support needed to grow their businesses.
The students graduated from the university at the Kings Hall in Stoke, alongside more than 1,300 graduands from the School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences and the School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business.
Daily Focus recently reported that four ‘inspirational people who are pushing the boundaries’ became honorary Doctors of the University at the autumn ceremonies.
Several members of the newly graduated cohort are already reaping the rewards of their hard work, talent and passion.
Psychology graduate Leah Vanono enrolled on the course to develop her internationally patent-pending protective beanbag. This innovative product is designed to help adults with additional learning needs and their caregivers safely manage distressed behaviours. It uses a pioneering methodology Leah developed during her internship with the Institute of Applied Behavior Analysis in California.
In her quest to find the most suitable and ecologically responsible materials, Leah also created a groundbreaking, patent-pending textile. Constructed from partially natural fibres and fire retardant to the highest UK fire safety standards, the fabric is washable, fast-drying, and has excellent anti-stain properties.
Graduating with a distinction, Leah also received the course award for ‘outstanding innovation’. Additionally, her business, The Social Architex, has recently secured £50,000 in grant funding from the West Midlands Health Technology Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA).
The Social Architex was selected as a finalist in the Medilink Midlands Awards for Sustainability, and Leah has been awarded a grant from Staffordshire County Council to further develop her website.
Leah is currently developing an international manufacturing supply chain for her textile and exploring opportunities to sell licenses to distribution partners.
She said: “I’m very thankful to my course tutors and mentors for their invaluable teachings, as well as to the Peter Coates Foundation for funding my MSc and supporting our entrepreneurial journey. The Social Architex is fortunate to have a growing team of incredible supporters contributing to this exciting workstream, and I extend a heartfelt thank you to our inspiring collaborators and my talented friends from university.”
Fellow graduate, jeweller Ellina Pollitt, is also celebrating after her contemporary jewellery was featured in the November issue of the iconic Vogue Magazine.
Ellina has recently completed a collaboration with photographer Mick Payton and was also featured in The Jeweller magazine on the back of her appearance at the prestigious Goldsmiths North 2024 show. She was also recently recognised in the Rising Star category at The National Association of Jewellers Awards 2024.
She said: “Balancing my business, family, and studies has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this process. I couldn’t have done it without the incredible people I’ve met along the way – my tutors, peers, and amazing friends.
“This journey began in 2016 when I signed up for my foundation year. It has been life-changing, and I never thought I’d reach the heights I’m at today. Just weeks ago, I was honoured to win another award, recognized for my brand’s innovation and vision. This recognition has been so encouraging, and I look forward to the future with excitement.”
