823_UCB_240x170_UG Prospectus 2021_AW_WEB

OUR STUDENTS James Whiting Founder of The Skinny Food Co Tourism Business Management BA (Hons) Zero calorie sauces and syrups may be a tempting diet option for many people. But for former student James Whiting, they’ve also been the heart of a remarkable adventure in business. James launched The Skinny Food Co in May 2018 and hasn’t looked back. In less than 18 months, more than 1.5 million of his ‘#NotGuilty’ sauces and syrups had been sold through the company’s website alone, while the brand had amassed hundreds of thousands of social media followers and is now being sold in the likes of Holland & Barrett, SPAR and by Amazon. After starting with a modest 1,000 sqft warehouse, the business was soon operating out of premises 10 times bigger. There’s much more to come too, with ambitions to amass an eight-figure turnover in the company’s third year. And having attracted advanced talks with even more major retailers both in the UK and abroad, The Skinny Food Co products could soon be flying off the shelves at a store near you. For James, it’s an enterprising journey which all started during his time as a Tourism Business Management student at University College Birmingham. “I believe I learned many skills during my studies which shaped me to be the person I am now,” he said. “I had countless opportunities to enhance my employability, which I grabbed with both hands. “The teaching was fantastic, and the courses were highly engaging and fun while developing my knowledge and skills. “Following my first job after finishing at the University, I started my own marketing company where I helped grow brands online,” he added. “Now I am marketing my own company and seeing great results from it!”

I learned many skills during my studies which shaped me to be the person I am now.

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