Jennifer White is in her second year of a Business and Management degree at Edge Hill. As part of her studies, she had to draw up a business plan for a small business.

She decided to develop an idea she had had for some time, for a business selling filled hanging baskets.

Jennifer White

She later submitted a version of the plan to the Preston-based Lancashire Co-operative Development Agency, and they were so impressed they awarded her a grant of £1,380 to help get the business off the ground.

The money will help Jennifer buy a greenhouse and other equipment for the business - to be called Baskets by Arrangement. She will also receive administrative support from the Agency.

Jennifer, of Skelmersdale, said: "I have loved gardens since I was a child and a few years ago I stared growing plants from seed, buying hanging baskets and planting them. I would then sell the completed baskets to family and friends.

"Now I am hoping to build it into a proper business, and this grant will help me do that."

Richard Choueke, Acting Head of Business, Management and Leisure at Edge Hill, said: "Jennifer's excellent work on her business plan assignment for the second year small business module no doubt contributed to her success. The staff of the department wish her well in her new enterprise."

Baskets by Arrangement can be contacted on 01695 723215.

BOOST FOR BUSINESS EDUCATION

Edge Hill's Management Centre

THE North West Centre for Business and Management at Edge Hill has secured membership of a prestigious organisation.

The Centre has been accepted into the Association of Business Schools, which aims to promote the study of business and management to help improve the quality and effectiveness of managers in the UK and internationally.

Formed in 1992, the Association's members are the leading 100 business schools of universities, higher education institutions and independent management centres.

Richard Choueke, Acting Head of Business, Management and Leisure at Edge Hill, said: "We had to meet a number of strict criteria relating to the work carried out in the Centre and the courses we offer.

"Membership of the Association means we are up there beside some of the most highly-regarded business schools in the country.

"The Association is influential and it informs the development of business and management provision in the university sector. It is also an excellent forum for exchange of ideas and our involvement will enable us to strengthen our education programmes still further."

The North West Centre for Business and Management, based at Edge Hill's Ormskirk campus, was opened last year. The Centre, established within the school of Management and Social Sciences, brings together around 40 expert members of staff and more than 800 students, and offers a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.