Business start-up success stories

The Cube inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs

The Cube team believe that people are inspired from other's examples. That’s why we work closely with our students and graduates to understand their particular idea, needs, and aspirations for starting a business and we provide advice, resources, training and support.
Get inspired to make your business idea come to life with our support!

Success stories

Read the success stories of University of Plymouth students and graduates who have used our services and of which we are extremely proud.

Casper Kruger
Casper Kruger
Steph Buttery
Steph Buttery
Samuel Jaffe
Samuel Jaffe
Tiarnán McKeever
Tiarnán McKeever
Aleksandra Piewcewicz
Aleksandra Piewcewicz

Structural Evolution Ltd – Founder: Casper Kruger

About the company

Structural Evolution Ltd is a structural engineering consultancy specialising in the product development of advanced composite structures which has achieved a turnover of £70,000 in 2022.
Our knowledge extends to the civil, subsea, and renewable markets with a focus on structures that will benefit from the design flexibility offered by fibre reinforced polymers.
We strive to support our clients to sustainably develop their concepts to reality.
Casper Kruger

Company key facts

  • AFounder studying: PhD Mechanical Engineering

  • xBusiness established: 2020

  • 'Industry sector: Engineering

  • *Annual turnover: £70,000

  • ÉYear 3 forecast: £140,000

  • (Location: Plymouth

Impacts and outcomes

Growth
With the help of The Cube services, I have managed to build and grow a business within 24 months from start to established, with a predicted year 3 turnover of £140,000.
Big Idea Challenge and Training
Through The Cube's One Hundred £100's Big Idea Challenge I was introduced to a network of of over 30 like-minded peers who are also innovators in business .

Financial expert advice
The Cube introduced me to experts in finance and marketing. I had five free appointments which would have cost my business around £750.
Resources and training
Through The Cube I secured 12 months worth of high level engineering training and accessed the NAFEMS PSE (Professional Simulation Engineer) Certification training which catapulted my knowledge for future projects.

What did you gain from The Cube?

I was given access to a wealth of information and resources that aided in the successful setup of my new venture. Attending events provided insight in to other businesses and promoted in-depth discussions with likeminded entrepreneurs.”

Casper Kruger

 

Chu Lo – Founder: Steph Buttery

About the company

Chu Lo is a caffeine free, reduced sugar soft drink brand which has seen sales grow from £15,000 to £400,000 in 2022.
Chu Lo was inspired by my travels in Japan where I enjoyed sour drinks, but returning to the UK I couldn't find any thing quite like it.
So in 2019 I set to work creating my own brand which is now retailed online and available at Yo! Sushi, HMV and Game.
Steph Buttery

Company key facts

  • AFounder studied: Defence Studies

  • xBusiness established: 2019

  • 'Industry sector: Food and Drink

  • *Annual turnover: £400,000

  • ÉYear 3 forecast: £3,000,000

  • (Location: Manchester

Impacts and outcomes

Growth
With the help of funding from The Cube I have grown the business and am predicting a £3 million turnover by 2023.
Employment
The Cube's funding has enabled me to go from being just myself in the business to a team of six.

Product range
A funding award from The Cube in 2021 helped me to increase my product range to six flavours and bring the new products to the market ahead of a TV appearance in 2022.
Resources and training
I accessed free 1:1 support from The Cube with experts in marketing/branding and financial planning to support me with the development of my brand.

What did you gain from The Cube?

The Cube’s support has allowed me to take strides in the business beyond what I could do myself.”

Steph Buttery

 

CaptorFN – Founder: Samuel Jaffe

About the company

I have used my placement year to develop an Esport Coaching Business.
I coach high level professional Fortnite players who pay me to help them perform better in tournaments, with the aim of getting into the top 5/10 in their region.
I operate mostly through Twitter and by recommendations from players friends, I have built an excellent reputation and ensured my brand image is a positive one.
Samuel Jaffe

Company key facts

  • AFounder studying: Business Management

  • xBusiness established: July 2021

  • 'Industry sector: Media Entertainment & Video Games

  • (Location: London and Plymouth

Growth
Having external pointers and motivation to set and achieve goals has been beneficial to the growth of my business.
Self discipline
I have improved my discipline and organisational skills which has enhanced goal and target setting – it has been rewarding and uplifting to see targets being achieved.
Client acquisition
I now have 15-20 ongoing paying clients from Europe and America per season, with each season lasting 2/3 months.
Resources and training
I have accessed advice and guidance on aspects of social media, including content, podcasting and TikTok .

What did you gain from The Cube?

Monthly 1:1 support from Claire Wallace, Student Enterprise Manager, to discuss goals, milestones and achievements that ensured my business is growing and developing

 

KESocials Ltd – Founder: Tiarnán McKeever

About the company

KeSocials Ltd brings a healthcare approach to marketing. Combining the knowledge and experience of healthcare providers with the know-how of marketing experts to bring healthcare providers and their patients closer together.
Services for UK-based healthcare providers include social media management, content creation, paid advertising on Google and Meta, sales funnel creation, and email marketing.
Tiarnán McKeever

Company key facts

  • AFounder studied: Medicine BMBS

  • xBusiness established: January 2024

  • 'Industry sector: Health and wellbeing

  • *First 7 months turnover: £51,000

  • ÅPredicted Year 3 turnover: £270,000

  • (Location: Plymouth

Impacts and outcomes

Mentor support
Through The Cube I accessed an accountancy firm founder to mentor the business. This was the best possible mentor to have matched with early on in my journey, as I now have an obsession with profit and loss.
Funding
I accessed funding from Santander Universities and Pitchfest through The Cube which enabled me to attend conferences and run ad campaigns to grow our client base.

Employment
In our first year we have established a team of 8 staff/contractors based in Plymouth, London and Manchester.
Pitching Experience
The biggest challenge I faced was coming up with a clear and succinct way of communicating what we do forPitchFest. Pitching in front of a live audience was an amazing experience and learning opportunity.

What did you gain from The Cube?

When I graduate my business will be my primary source of income, and full-time job. So everything I have learnt in terms of pitching, communication and mentorship will all be vital going forward.”

Tiarnán McKeever
 

Aim Big Ltd – Founder: Aleksandra Piewcewicz

About the company

At Aim Big Ltd, our mission is to be a catalyst for comprehensive growth and positive change across all aspects of life.
We strive to: enhance personal wellbeing, drive professional success, make a community impact
By integrating these goals, Aim Big Ltd is committed to helping achieve more, live better, and create a lasting, positive impact.
Aleksandra Piewcewicz

Company key facts

  • AFounder studied: Hospitality Tourism and Events Management

  • xBusiness established: 2024

  • 'Industry sector: Health and wellbeing

  • @Awards: 30 under 30 winner

  • ÅPredicted Year 3 turnover: 30,000

  • (Location: Plymouth

Impacts and outcomes

1:1 Expert support
Marketing support has enabled me to create effective strategies, understand market dynamics, and leverage digital tools to reach and engage my target audience.
Funding
I accessed funding from Santander Universities through The Cube which I have used to purchase podcast equipment allowing me to share valuable insights and engage with a broader audience.

Awards
With the support of The Cube I have grown my confidence and as a result in 2024 I am a 30 under 30 winner and have been nominated in the West Country Women Awards.
Training
The Cube funding enabled me to access the Advanced Integral Eye Movement Practitioner course to deepen my expertise in IEMT. This has enhanced my professional capabilities , enabling me to offer more services and build a stronger presence in my field.

What did you gain from The Cube?

Access to specialised expertise which has been crucial in navigating complex challenges and making informed decisions, greatly contributing to the growth and success of my business.”

Aleksandra Piewcewicz
 
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