A foremost UK businessman and inventor, who created one of the world’s leading fold up bicycles, will provide an insight into the secret of his success at an event in Aberdeen this week.
Mr Andrew Ritchie, founder of the Brompton Bicycle Company – manufacturers of a unique fold away bike – will present to students from the University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University, at the Lemon Tree on Thursday 26 February from 5.30 – 7.30pm.
Mr Ritchie will give an overview of how he turned his idea to create a better fold up bicycle than those currently offered on the market, into a multi million pound business.
His company – which was founded in 1988 - now exports to over 27 markets and is one of only two major frame manufacturers still based in the UK.
Organised jointly by Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) and the University of Aberdeen's Careers Service and funded by the University's Department for Research and Innovation, Mr Ritchie's talk is open to staff and students from both universities, and may be of particular interest to postgraduate students and anyone with an interest in engineering or entrepreneurship.
Janice Montgomery, University of Aberdeen Careers Service said: "This is an amazing opportunity to hear from a world class entrepreneur who faced huge setbacks but still managed to create a fabulous product and a multi million pound business.
"If I were a student with an idea for a business I would certainly like to know how it's done, and Mr Ritchie's presentation will provide budding entrepreneurs with a unique insight into the perseverance, creativity and belief it takes to turn an idea into a success story. The Careers Service is delighted to support this inspirational programme."
Dr Simon Fraser, Regional Business Adviser to Students for SIE said: "This is another terrific student led SIE event to be hosted by the University of Aberdeen and RGU. There is a growing entrepreneurial culture within the student population in Aberdeen, and this is part of an ongoing programme of events aimed at inspiring students and sparking their curiosity around innovation and self employment."
The event is open to all staff and students from the universities and free tickets are available at www.urgoing.to/brompton .
For further information contact Janice Montgomery on 01224 273053 or email href="mailto:j.montgomery@abdn.ac.uk">j.montgomery@abdn.ac.uk</a> .