Student award is bonus for Business Edge

UK: A team of business students assisting Hampshire-based refrigeration and air conditioning company Business Edge has won an award for its efforts.

The students from the University of Portsmouth undertook a consultancy project for Business Edge, a local company which offers technical and training services in air conditioning and refrigeration systems,

The students from the University of Portsmouth examined different facets of Business Edge’s business from its website, profitability of services and products and its customer relationship management including use of social media. The sustainable growth strategy developed for the company, which specialises in technical and training services in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, is already starting to be implemented.

Business Edge MD Mike Creamer nominated the student team, Polar Enterprise, for the annual award run by the University of Portsmouth Business School. The team won first prize for having the biggest impact on their client.

Mike said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Polar Enterprise Team have won first prize, especially as this was a highly competitive event with numerous teams and talented people working hard. I wish the team every success in the future, including all the students who participated in this highly constructive and valuable process.”

The students were competing as part of a Business Enterprise unit on their course, which encourages them to apply their knowledge to real business problems. During the last six months, more than 280 students have been carrying out consultancy projects for a range of organisations across south east Hampshire, spanning different industries and including public and private sector, charities and social enterprise clients.

First prize, worth £500, was awarded by Mark Smith, executive chair and founder of The Car Finance Company, who was guest speaker at the awards event last week.