UCLan students receive boosts to their businesses thanks to donation in memory of graduate

Four University of Central Lancashire students have received a boost to their start-up businesses thanks to a donation in memory of a graduate.

Sarah Butterworth, who graduated from UCLan in 2012 with an MA in Finance and Management, died at the age of 37 in 2021.

Her husband, Dan Turnock, pledged £50,000 in February this year for UCLan to establish the Sarah Butterworth Enterprise Fund, aiming to benefit up to 15 student start-up businesses per academic year.

This month, four new businesses have received money from the fund to give them a boost. So far the Sarah Butterworth Fund has provided £2,500 of funding for entrepreneurial students at the University.

Dan said: “It is exciting to see the positive impact of the award in helping the first recipients realise their dream of starting their own businesses.

“Sarah’s family and I are delighted that the award is supporting such fantastic business ideas in Sarah’s memory.”

Sarah Butterworth, a UCLan graduate — Sarah Butterworth who was a UCLan graduate

The benefitting businesses: Idolsy clothing, Another Shiro Music songwriting and production services, preloved menswear magazine Nathan and open water swimming clothing range Nipples and Ripples, are all based in the North West.

Sam Loat was awarded £700 to establish Nathan magazine, which will be distributed around the region.

The 26-year-old said: “The Sarah Butterworth Enterprise Fund has made it possible for me to launch my dream business. Launching a magazine is no easy task and with eight photoshoots I needed help with funding it.

“Without Sarah, I wouldn’t have been able to create the full magazine that I envisioned.”

Students from any degree programme can apply for funding through the scheme if they can demonstrate how the money will help towards preparation for setting up and starting a business venture.

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