University of Sunderland

Previous winners

2009 winners

Helmut Okike, Campus Games
Winner, Regional Blueprint Business Awards

Business graduate Helmut Okike won the Sunderland Blueprint Award and then went on to win first place in the Regional Blueprint Business Awards. Helmet beat rivals from all the of the North East's universities to net the £7,500 cash top prize.

Helmut's company, Campus Games, provide a fully managed on-site gaming experience for students. Helmut believes that Campus Games won Blueprint because of their enthusiasm and the unique service they provide. He says: "We went into this business with our eyes wide open, understanding the hardship we would have to go through. We knew that that sometimes we would be pushing forward on passion and enthusiasm alone. We often worked 16 hour days to get the business off the ground.

"It is great to be recognised in the region and the prize fund helps our cash flow greatly while we receive invaluable in kind support from various sponsors who have donated their time and resources to ensure that our business is well supported.

"This just goes to show that there is a huge commitment from business leaders in the North East to support young people who are prepared to work hard and dare to go it alone."

Chris Bushell, BikeHireUK
Runner up, Regional Blueprint Business Awards

Chris, a business graduate from South Shields, came runner-up in the Regional competition with BikeHireUK, a system which enables people to hire bikes via their mobile phones.

"BikeHireUK, aka The Student Bike Loans Company, leases low cost folding bikes to students in the UK," says Chris. "Our Bikes are able to store in student accommodation and be taken on Metros and buses. The best thing about the award is meeting the other entrepreneurs and talking to like minded people who are passionate about their mission."