An enterprising Aberdeen student has scooped a top award for her inspiring business idea.
University of Aberdeen student Alice Ratcliffe claimed the Promising New Business Award at this year’s annual Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise ceremony held last night (Thursday June 17).
The 22-year-old entrepreneur – who is in her third year of a Law degree at the institution – took home the accolade for her business, Shop Pulse – a website which delivers live updates of the latest fashions hitting designer and high street stores.
Alice received the award in recognition of her innovative business – which she runs with business partner James Deer - at the ceremony which took place at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen.
Alice said: “Winning the award was a fantastic surprise. We came up with the concept for Shop Pulse having realised there was a gap in the market for a website which would deliver live product updates of the latest items to hit the biggest online retailers.
“The site enables shoppers to browse all the 'new in' items from over 23 designer and high street stores, all in one place. I discovered that I could capitalize on providing this service by entering into the online affiliate market and partnering up with stores such as ASOS, Topshop and The Outnet. This means that for every sale referred Shop Pulse takes between 4-12% commission.
“Shop Pulse went live to the public in January this year, and sales have doubled since its launch. Following my graduation this year I plan to make Shop Pulse my full time occupation and focus on building on the strong growth and success we’ve experienced to date.”
Fellow University student Kilian Palop - who is studying for a PhD in Engineering – also secured a finalists place in the awards.
His company Adspad, which provides advertising space on placemats placed on university canteen trays, was nominated in the category of Business Success (Under Three Years).
The 28-year-old - who runs the company with partner Glenn Buchan, a student at Robert Gordon University - dreamt up the idea as a way for local businesses to get messages out to students.
Kilian and Glenn took home the top award of £1000 in the Services Category of the Scottish Institute for Enterprise New Ventures Competition earlier this year.
Alice was also given honourable mention in the same competition.
For more information on the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise visit: http://www.grampianawards.com/