Entrepreneurship & Side Hustles in the UK — Stories, Lessons, and Opportunities
- Halyna Skvortsova
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Inspiring session about entrepreneurship and ways to earn in the UK.
This wasn’t just about theory — it was an evening of honest, personal stories from those who have been through it themselves.
Max Davie: From City Masterplans to Independent Practice
Architect and founder of Neutral Projects, Max Davie, shared why he left high-profile city projects and iconic buildings to start his own studio.
He spoke candidly about what changed his perspective, what still scares him as a business owner, and what brings him joy in working independently. His story was a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t always about scaling fast—it’s often about aligning your work with your personal values and ambitions.
Bola Akande: Turning Dreams Into Business
Travel writer Bola Akande, founder of Journey with Bola, told her heartfelt story of how her children’s dreams encouraged her to launch a tailored travel service for women.
Bola highlighted the reality of building a business from passion. “You need to be a multiplayer,” she said, explaining how it takes years to learn everything—from marketing to management—but if you truly love what you do, the journey is worth it.
Jenni Redstone: Sustainable Fashion & Everyday Business Wisdom
Tailor and co-founder of Edy & Bridge, Jenni Redstone offered one of the most down-to-earth, honest talks of the evening.
She spoke openly about:
Why you shouldn’t fear mistakes
How finding the right partner makes all the difference
The day-to-day realities of running a local shop, hosting pop-ups around London, Whitstable, and Devon, and teaching tailoring courses.
Her key message? Know your customers. It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about community, connection, and staying adaptable.
Nataliia Hrytsiuk, PhD: Opportunities for Ukrainian Entrepreneurs
Our session also featured Nataliia Hrytsiuk, PhD, Research Fellow at UCL School of Management and founder of the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine programme.
Nataliia shared essential resources for Ukrainians interested in entrepreneurship, grants, and funding in the UK:
How to find funding as a researcher or entrepreneur
What makes British grant schemes unique (and accessible)
Where to start—even if you’ve only recently arrived in the UK
She also presented three of her current projects:
Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine — a business training programme at UCL, already receiving great interest, with 180+ applicants.
REFREME — a research initiative studying how migrant entrepreneurs contribute to the recovery of their home countries.
Resilience in Action — a podcast series sharing stories of Ukrainian entrepreneurs navigating war, relocation, and adaptation.
More Than a Session — A Space for Action
This event wasn’t just about learning—it was about building bridges between people, ideas, and opportunities. It showed how academic knowledge, lived experience, and community connection can come together to spark real change.
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