University of Surrey student entrepreneur Simon Blamires

JustLaptops
Surrey student Simon Blamires launched his first venture at 14, buying sweets from the Post Office in the morning for 10p a bag, and selling them later at school for 20p! At 17, he set up a small web design business, and has dabbled in what he calls other 'little schemes'. So it's no surprise to find Simon running yet another start-up business as part of his professional placement year at Surrey. Studying for a BSc in Entrepreneurship in Technology, IT and Business, he has created a company called Just Laptops Limited, which sells refurbished, ready-to-use laptop computers to home buyers online.  Simon is the first Surrey student to undertake a self-employed placement year, a new programme designed to encourage students to develop their practical entrepreneurial skills.

He receives valuable support from Research and Enterprise Support and the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Development (CEED), including advice and resources at the recently opened SEEDpod drop-in centre on campus. 'This is the biggest business challenge I've faced so far, and it involves a lot of hard work. But it is a great experience, and I've already learnt a great deal in a very short time. I've had to get to grips with all aspects of the business, from negotiating prices with suppliers to providing customer support..the list is endless!'