News and Blog Articles

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Run annually on March 8, the day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. IWD provides an important moment to showcase commitment to women’s equality, launch new initiatives and action, celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness, highlight gender parity gains […]

On Monday 26th February, skills bodies SFEDI Group and IOEE celebrated the national milestone of 10,000 custodial learners to benefit from access to their entrepreneurship education programmes and launch a new national research project, in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, to explore the impact of entrepreneurship and enterprise education on ex-offenders. Small Business Minister Andrew […]

Andy Penaluna is the Director of the International Institute for Creative Entrepreneurial Development at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Andy sits on the Advisory Board for SFEDI and IOEE, and is the Chair of the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Review. The QAA released its first Enterprise and […]

The IOEE continues to develop skills within the apprenticeship sector through its Apprenticemakers project. Apprenticemakers provides a range of support to businesses involved in apprenticeships, including mentor training for individuals who are supporting apprentices. Apprenticemakers has worked with a variety of organisations to build and strengthen apprenticeship programmes, and this month we caught up with […]

Paul Uppal has many years’ experience of running his own business, as well as being a Member of Parliament, and in 2017 the Government announced that he was to be appointed the first Small Business Commissioner (SBC). This month we spoke to Paul to find out how his new role unites his business and political […]

Matthew Bell is studying for a Foundation Degree in Business and Management at New College Durham, whilst also working full-time in the Co-op Food National Transport Department. With the Foundation Degree’s Innovation, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship modules being accredited by the IOEE, this month we caught up with Matthew to find out how he balances working […]

Emma Krause is the founder of Light Up North; a cool, creative and innovative company that designs and makes stylish neon lighting art using EL wire. Through the IOEE’s Mentoring Programme, Emma was paired up with Denise Kay, an Associate Director at Barclays Bank. We caught up with Emma and Denise to find out more […]

‘Enterprisingly Me’ is a monthly feature where you can follow my entrepreneurial adventures. Names have been changed to protect the innocent but everything you read really happened. I hope my story inspires you to take your first steps, or if you already have, then it lets you know you’re not on your own. Starting and […]

Leading figures from the worlds of enterprise learning and skills will gather on Wednesday 2 May for the Celebrating Enterprise Awards 2018. Recognising the endeavours of learners, educators, entrepreneurs, mentors, policy-shapers and others making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s enterprise and skills landscape, the Celebrating Enterprise Awards 2018 takes place in the Houses of […]

SFEDI Awards have kick-started the year by expanding their suite of Passport to Enterprise and Employment qualifications with brand new opportunities to develop enterprising abilities, behaviours and skills at Levels 1 and 2. These qualifications continue to put the emphasis on personal and social development, by focusing on how developing these skills are equally as […]

In 2014, David Brazer established Ignition Automotive Training; an innovative training centre fused with a real working garage, where unemployed or marginalised people could gain hands-on experience of a real work environment alongside qualifications to help them back into employment. In 2016, the IOEE named Ignition the Enterprising Learning Provider of the Year at its […]

Hamra Alam is the founder and CEO of Lights, Camera, Fashion; a new International IOEE Enterprise Academy with a conscience, that ensures fashion is inclusive of everyone, regardless of disability. Based in the Middle East, Hamra’s passion is for people, and she is committed to empowering women and entrepreneurs through her innovative and inspirational fashion […]

Guest blog by Dr Yaz Iyabo Osho   One of the challenges in teaching enterprise education is ensuring that teaching is embedded in action and active learning, and that students are exposed to the experiential learning opportunities which can help hone their enterprise skills, entrepreneurial capability and knowledge. The very basis of action learning enables students […]

Sophie Bennett is a talented and hard-working student at New College Durham, who has mastered the art of successfully juggling two full-time pursuits; Sophie is working full-time as a waitress and barmaid at a local pub, whilst also studying for her Foundation Degree in Business and Management, and she is still coming out on top and […]

Nick Sladek is a versatile player in the field of marketing, being both the founder of his own email marketing business and working as a freelance or ‘virtual’ Marketing Consultant, Director and Board Advisor for a variety of clients and companies. He has a no-nonsense attitude and is determined to ‘cut through the fluff’ and strip […]

‘Enterprisingly Me’ is a monthly feature where you can follow my entrepreneurial adventures. Names have been changed to protect the innocent but everything you read really happened. I hope my story inspires you to take your first steps, or if you already have, then it lets you know you’re not on your own. Starting and […]

Mathew Burbidge is the creator of Wandering Brian; a comic book designed to offer dyslexic readers material to help improve their reading skills, without being patronising – a problem Mathew encountered as a dyslexic person himself. Mathew was paired up with mentor Keith Willett, a Relationship Director in Manufacturing for Lloyds Banking Group (LBG). This […]

When universities foster a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship, it equips students with the skills for a rewarding, self-determined professional life. It also has significant benefits for the institution itself, says new guidance from the UK’s independent quality body QAA, which was published earlier today. The guidance will also be available in Mandarin, following widespread […]

SFEDI and IOEE are delighted to announce that our Celebrating Enterprise Awards 2018 nominations are now officially open! The awards ceremony will be held in London on Wednesday 2 May 2018, bringing together key figures from the small business, enterprise and skills sector in the UK to celebrate and recognise the very best in enterprise […]

The International Association of Bookkeepers held their annual UK & International Business & Skills Awards in the House of Commons on Thursday 7 December. The winners were honoured during a prestigious drinks reception ceremony celebrating the achievements of a host of highly accomplished IAB members and industry professionals. SFEDI Group and IOEE were proud to sponsor the […]

Lauren Proctor, 20, is in the second year of her Foundation Degree in Business and Management at New College Durham, an IOEE Enterprise Academy, where she is also working full-time in the Apprenticeship department. With the Foundation Degree’s Innovation, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship modules being accredited by the IOEE, this month we chatted to Lauren to […]

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference, came to Belfast on the 8th and 9th of November. The ISBE Conference has become one of the major events in the entrepreneurial calendar; bringing together over 350 highly-acclaimed academics, speakers and business leaders from over 35 countries, to inform, engage and […]

On a trip to Canada in 2013, Donna Marie discovered a passion for lampwork, and spent the rest of her holiday going to workshops and perfecting her craft. Inspired by the experience, Donna returned home and set up Donna Marie Jewellery, turning what began as a creative hobby into a successful business. In 2016 the […]

‘Enterprisingly Me’ is a monthly feature where you can follow my entrepreneurial adventures. Names have been changed to protect the innocent but everything you read really happened. I hope my story inspires you to take your first steps, or if you already have, then it lets you know you’re not on your own. Starting and […]