Entrepreneur shows he’s the business

9:03am Thursday 8th May 2008

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BUDDING entrepreneurs have battled it out to see one be crowned the winner of a business ideas competition.

Students from the University of Hertfordshire went head-to-head in the Flare Entrepreneur 2008 title by trying to wow a panel of expert judges.

Hatfield resident Hajrë Hyseni was crowned the winner and won £20,000 which included £6,000 to kick start a company, free student digs for a year and a business consultancy.

MBA student Hajrë impressed the judges with his idea to set up a company to use creative talents of young people in Kosovo to provide web development services for UK companies.

He said: "Flare has given me extraordinary confidence for the future and in the potential of my business. I don't see limits, I see opportunities. It is without doubt the most exciting and most profound learning experience I have had as a student.

"My idea stemmed from the passion I have about the power of web opportunities."

Hajrë was one of ten finalists who were narrowed down from an original 60. Ideas from the competitors crossed a wide range of sectors from recruitment to health and fitness.

University of Hertfordshire head of entrepreneurial development Nigel Culkin said: "It's obvious from the number and quality of entries that we have a large and growing community of aspiring entrepreneurs.

"Flare is one of the many opportunities that we provide our students and staff to test and develop their enterprising skills and that's what is really exciting at the University of Hertfordshire.

"It's not only the winners who benefit.

"The feedback from such highly respected businesspeople is invaluable to all our entrants as they commence on their entrepreneurial journey."