The 'Secret Millionaire' and television geologist honoured at Vice-Chancellor's Enterprise Awards
The Secret Millionaire Dominic List, and one of the most recognised and popular scientists in the country, Professor Iain Stewart MBE, were among this year’s winners at the Vice-Chancellor’s Enterprise Awards.
Now in their fifth year, the awards run by Plymouth University, showcase and celebrate enterprise in the region across teaching, research, community and business engagement, and entrepreneurial achievement.
In total, 21 winners were chosen from the 300 nominations received by the University from across the South West. They included world-class researchers, enterprising students, and successful graduates who’ve gone on to build outstanding careers.
Among them was Dominic List, who graduated from the University in 1997 with a degree in Design Technology and Business, and has become one of the country’s leading entrepreneurs, and a star of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire. Dominic has retained close links with the University, and has made a number of visits to speak to students about his experiences with his award-winning IT business Comtact Ltd, and his support of social enterprises such as Gandys Flip Flops.
Speaking after picking up his award, Dominic said: “Plymouth gave me a lot of direction and focus, and as the enterprise university, I believe there is so much more we can achieve together. I’m excited about the commercial tie-ups that have been, and are being, set up by the University, providing a real proof point between learning and practical application. Through this, I hope I can inspire other students to do great things with their lives.”
Professor Iain Stewart was another popular winner on the night, receiving his award for his commitment to communicating science, not just through his television work, but also through his engagement with schools, the Childrens’ University, and through his work with public organisations and societies.
Professor Stewart said: “There are plenty of universities who have realised the importance of engaging with the public because it’s good for their recruitment or is part of their strategy,” Iain said. “But Plymouth is simply different because it sees it as the right thing to do. It’s an intrinsic part of who we are.”
In research, Dr Simon Rundle, from the School of Marine Science and Engineering, was recognised for his pioneering study into the development of marine embryos using the only bio-imaging device of its kind in the world, built in his lab in Plymouth,
The Babylab team that has contributed world-leading insight into areas such as language acquisition in children was honoured, as was historian Dr Harry Bennett for his expertise in projects such as the uncovering of secret MI9 codes dating back to World War II.
The organisers of the Plymouth International Book Festival and the Moby-Dick Big Read were both honoured, as was Royal William Yard-based company Knowledge, who’ve grown from several distinct start-up businesses into an acclaimed digital marketing consultancy.
Around 400 people attended the gala dinner in the Graduation Marquee on Plymouth Hoe last night (Thursday), including prominent members of the regional community. All of the winners received a special wood and granite trophy, designed by student Adam Bilsborough, and three Enterprise Ambassadors were also announced on the night after a public vote. The ambassadors were Knowledge, Dr Harry Bennett, and student entrepreneur Oliver Dickinson.
Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University, said: “This year’s Enterprise Awards have been a celebration of enterprise in action, and a showcase of excellence and achievement across a broad spectrum of activity – from research to community engagement; entrepreneurial endeavour to teaching and learning. Our sincere hope is that people in the South West are inspired by our winners’ stories and consider ways in which they too can work alongside the University to transform lives through enterprise.”
