'Wearable bodyguard' among ten new businesses by young entrepreneurs to receive funding boost
A business developing a ‘wearable bodyguard’ for safer solo journeys is among 10 growing businesses that have received a vital boost, thanks to funding donated by UWE Bristol alum Peter Fane.
The inaugural UWE Bristol Entrepreneurial Futures Award saw 16 start-ups invited to pitch for up to £10,000 of funding for their high growth-potential businesses. The young entrepreneurs, all UWE Bristol alumni, pitched business ideas to a panel including Peter, Mark Mason, former UWE Bristol Chair of Board of Governors, and Paul Bennett, Dean of Partnerships and International for Bristol Business and Law Schools.
Among 2023’s winners were eNOugh, a company creating a ‘wearable bodyguard’ badge designed for safer journeys; Vulpin, who are looking to combat motorcycle theft by developing a folding electric prototype; and FirstGens, a social enterprise aimed at supporting students who are the first in their family to go to university.
The Entrepreneurial Futures Award aims to support graduates to focus on their business ventures and undertake entrepreneurship as a career pathway after graduating. It has a particular focus on students who may not have the social capital or access to funding to support their businesses. Over the next five years, Peter’s donation will support many alumni with awards of up to £10,000.
Peter graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from UWE in 1985, founding landscaping services firm The Nurture Landscapes Group in 2008 and serving as its Managing Director until December 2021. Peter is also a founding member of the Elevate Investment Board, which will provide UWE Bristol entrepreneurs with the opportunity to pitch for equity investment and support in their businesses, alongside senior mentoring or in-kind support.
Peter said: “It was a pleasure to spend the day at UWE listening to pitches from budding entrepreneurs. The breadth of talent and ideas was fantastic, and I feel sure of the substantial growth ahead of them. It was special to be able to give them a helping hand, and I wish them all the best.”
Amanda Coffey, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at UWE Bristol, said: “Funding like this can make a huge difference to entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journeys. In creating an entrepreneurship ecosystem at UWE Bristol, of which the awards are a part, we aim to support students and alumni in their business ventures and make business growth more accessible to all.”
If you’re inspired to learn more about the entrepreneurial ecosystem at UWE and understand how you could get involved please contact Rachel17.Evans@uwe.ac.uk or Colette.Percival@uwe.ac.uk.
Related news
11 July 2025
Wound dressings developed with support from UWE Bristol to be launched by global firm
Technology that a team of UWE Bristol scientists helped develop to aid the healing of chronic wounds will be used in new ‘smart dressings’ being launched by global medical company.
10 July 2025
Researcher awarded funding to develop digital health platform that connects people to local services
A UWE Bristol academic has received funding to develop an online platform that connects people to local community organisations offering health and social care support.
03 July 2025
Research lab The Brunel Centre opens to power sustainable and inclusive growth for the West of England
A new data and research centre designed to support sustainable and inclusive growth and industrial strategy in the region, has officially launched.
11 June 2025
Telling our story at UWE Bristol: RISE with us
UWE Bristol has launched RISE - standing for Research, Innovation, Skills and Enterprise - an institutional framework which shapes the University's purpose, culture and future growth.
23 May 2025
New Centre launched at UWE Bristol to drive social and economic change across Africa through HE partnerships
UWE Bristol has launched the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) — a collaborative platform to support African-led innovation, research and HE initiatives.
11 December 2024
UWE Bristol alum develops flatpack wood stove to heat homes damaged in conflict
A UWE Bristol alum has designed a flatpack wood burning stove which will provide a vital heat source for people whose homes have been damaged in areas of conflict across the world.
28 November 2024
Entrepreneur and advocate for workplace equality awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol
Dr Zara Nanu MBE, an innovator in addressing workplace inequalities and tackling the gender pay gap, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
21 November 2024
Crypto-trader training platform among eight graduate businesses to receive funding boost
A platform that trains people to trade cryptocurrency safely is one of eight graduate businesses to have received funding through UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award.
20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.
29 July 2024
Student who dedicated his time at university to helping disabled people graduates
A student who has dedicated his time at UWE Bristol to helping people with disabilities has graduated.
21 May 2024
Growth for tech innovation in Bristol as Future Space expands
UWE Bristol’s award-winning innovation centre, Future Space, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities.
18 January 2024
The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England
UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.
You may also be interested in
Media enquiries
Enquiries related to news releases and press and contacts for the media team.
Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.
College of Business and Law
The College of Business and Law comprises Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School who provide a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, higher research and professional courses.