Enterprising students from a variety of courses at London College of Fashion collaborated with students from BSc (Hons) IT Framework at London South Bank University on an event called Elevate @ LCF, to help them upscale their websites and develop their businesses. The event brought together creative and technical skillsets to develop practical business ideas, collaboration and networking opportunities, with prizes for the most successful ideas.
The event began with a round of ‘speed networking’ between LCF and LSBU and within a short space of time students had self-selected into groups based on compatibility and personalities. Such small groups allowed great exposure to the technical skills of the IT Framework students, who were able to critique and develop creative ideas from the Fashion Business School.
After two hours the groups had clear and refined business models and an understanding of the best way to implement them online. These were then presented back to the wider group at the presentation ceremony.
The overall winners were Laura Salisbury from LCF and Avvaiganeshan Kanagasabe from LSBU, with their idea of an app to generate an online presence for garment fastening concepts, which test today’s making/manufacturing processes. They received a prize and the trophies on behalf of each College and were crowned the first ever ‘Elevate Champions’.
Student feedback included:
Amazing initiative! Learnt a lot about developing an idea by working with someone with knowledge about computers and the web. Listening to other students present was very inspirational, this was a great and successful challenge.
It was really helpful advice. I learnt that there are more specific things I can do to build my business plan, instead of just a website.
I learnt how to progress an idea into a business and which pathway is suitable for each venture. It was very valuable and insightful, I enjoyed networking. More workshops like this should be run.