Intro

students studying in a group

Fresh Minds for Business is a non-profit consultancy service, delivered by our students and supported by experienced consultants at the Claude Littner Business School. We offer our expertise to business and non-business clients from a wide range of industries and sectors. 

Find out more about:

About Fresh Minds for Business ​

UWL Fresh Minds for Business is an award-winning student-led consultancy programme that works with businesses in West London and neighbouring regions to support growth, competitiveness, and resilience whilst also providing enhanced learning opportunities for our students through the application of their knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges that matter to businesses. 

Our programme is driven by mission to support our business community and to give our students the opportunity to develop their professional profile by working with businesses to meet real-world challenges.

Projects are completed to high professional standards by students working under the supervision of experienced consultants based in the University's Business School. We are also supported by independent advisors from industry who volunteer their time and expertise on specialist projects.

In 2021, UWL Fresh Minds for Business received the Levelling Up Award for Extending Enterprise.​

Levelling up Awards 2021 logo
  • Our strategic purpose

    Our strategic purpose is to create an effective environment in which students, businesses and faculty can collaborate together towards the achievement of mutually beneficial outcomes that impact positively on the resilience of our business community, the growth of our local economy and the career prospects of our students.  

Fresh Mind’s bespoke approach looks at each client and each problem individually. Its flexibility allows it to adapt to the client’s specific needs. A senior consultant will work with the client at the beginning to identify the needs and design the project objectives. Once agreed, a dedicated project team is assembled, and project plans put in place. The client’s main commitment would be to meet with the team at the start of the project to establish detailed specifications and requirements; then, once during the interim period for the project team to provide progress updates and discuss any adjustments the client would like made.

On completion of the project, the team will present their findings and recommendations to the client. Throughout the project, a client experience manager will keep in regular contact to update on progress and manage communications with the team. While we are proud of the business-based professional approach that has delivered an excellent service to all our clients; the programme has also been recognised for its outstanding social impact.

[Fresh Minds should be recognised for bringing] Business and Students together to challenge the status quo and build success. Businesses gain new ideas to improve growth and competitiveness and the programme underlines the University of West London’s commitment to be an engine of growth for the local economy.

Rt Hon Anne Milton
  • Hear more from Dr Suresh Gamlath

    Business professional in suit looking straight into camera.

    In the competitive world of graduate careers, the Fresh Minds programme creates a level playing field for all students, irrespective of class, connections, or background, to gain real world relevant experience that enhances their career prospects and life chances.

    In 2021, Fresh Minds for Business was recognised for its contribution to advancing Social Mobility and Levelling Up. In a virtual award ceremony on 30 June, the University of West London’s Fresh Minds for Business Programme was named Winner of the Levelling Up Awards for Extending Enterprise.

    The continued participation of businesses in this programme is important for its continued success. We are very thankful to our client and partner organisations for their support, and we welcome new opportunities and challenges to enhance the growth, resilience, and effectiveness of our business community. 

Our services

Two hands shaking

The diversity of our students and faculty brings unique perspectives and out-of-the-box thinking to problems and issues that matter to individual businesses. Clients call on UWL Fresh Minds when they have a need or problem that requires some investigation, research and thinking that they may not have sufficient time or resources to devote in-house or may not be able to commission commercial firms.​

Here are four ways we can help:

A man presenting during a meeting whilst using a Mac laptop
Consultancy programme

We offer evidenced-based advice delivered over a three-month project period. Your organisation will benefit from a dedicated team providing consulting that is tailored to your needs. Our consulting areas include business modelling, customer analysis, digital marketing, digital transformation, growth strategy, international brand development,  market analysis, social media, sustainability and talent management.

A business meeting with a group of five individuals standing in an office space.
Fresh ideas

Whether you are looking for a fresh perspective on an existing issue or innovative ideas to exploit new opportunities, you will be able to engage the most suitable talent to conduct methodical research and analysis into what is important to you. Through Fresh Ideas we have helped clients identify high-potential niche market sectors; provided insights into international markets, consumer behaviour and much more. You will benefit from having a number of trained talented researchers studying the issue or question that is important to you.

An apprentice at work in an office
Small business programme

Where you just want to get something done in your business but lack the time or personnel to do it, we may be able to help. Where a project involves employing students, the University's Terms and Conditions apply, and clients will may be asked to register with the University's Careers & Employment Services.

A social worker pushers an elderly man in a wheelchair
Non-business sector

Driven by a strong social ethic, we aim to ensure that organisations such as charities and community organisations have access to our services that will help them in deliver their social missions. We believe in adapting and applying the methods and technology we have developed consulting with businesses to bring about effective solutions in the non-business sector.

A man presenting during a meeting whilst using a Mac laptop
Consultancy programme

We offer evidenced-based advice delivered over a three-month project period. Your organisation will benefit from a dedicated team providing consulting that is tailored to your needs. Our consulting areas include business modelling, customer analysis, digital marketing, digital transformation, growth strategy, international brand development,  market analysis, social media, sustainability and talent management.

A business meeting with a group of five individuals standing in an office space.
Fresh ideas

Whether you are looking for a fresh perspective on an existing issue or innovative ideas to exploit new opportunities, you will be able to engage the most suitable talent to conduct methodical research and analysis into what is important to you. Through Fresh Ideas we have helped clients identify high-potential niche market sectors; provided insights into international markets, consumer behaviour and much more. You will benefit from having a number of trained talented researchers studying the issue or question that is important to you.

An apprentice at work in an office
Small business programme

Where you just want to get something done in your business but lack the time or personnel to do it, we may be able to help. Where a project involves employing students, the University's Terms and Conditions apply, and clients will may be asked to register with the University's Careers & Employment Services.

A social worker pushers an elderly man in a wheelchair
Non-business sector

Driven by a strong social ethic, we aim to ensure that organisations such as charities and community organisations have access to our services that will help them in deliver their social missions. We believe in adapting and applying the methods and technology we have developed consulting with businesses to bring about effective solutions in the non-business sector.

A man presenting during a meeting whilst using a Mac laptop
A business meeting with a group of five individuals standing in an office space.
An apprentice at work in an office
A social worker pushers an elderly man in a wheelchair
A man presenting during a meeting whilst using a Mac laptop
A business meeting with a group of five individuals standing in an office space.
An apprentice at work in an office
A social worker pushers an elderly man in a wheelchair

Contact us via freshminds@uwl.ac.uk for more information.

Client case studies

Client case studies

Hear from some of our clients at Fresh Minds for Business.

Get in touch with us at Freshminds@uwl.ac.uk​ to learn more about how we can help your organisation.

It's always useful to have a new set of eyes looking at your business problems - the team provided a very insightful report into Britelives.com.
John Coulthard, CEO of Britelives
Mercedes-Benz retail group logo
Mercedes-Benz Retail Group

The final presentation and the recommendations made was highly professional and in a useful structure. I found the students were personable, professional and easy to work with.” 

- Trevor Webb, Senior Director.

Alexanders Group Logo
Alexanders Group

If any businesses have a project and needs support from Fresh Minds, I could not recommend them enough.  Thank you so much." 

- Richard Lear, General Manager.

Health Shak logo in a light blue font on a white background.
HEALTH SHAK

Highly recommend! We are incredibly grateful for the Fresh Minds team. We now have a boost of confidence, valuable market insight, and a strong plan of action which we’re excited to implement!”

- David Harvey & Tania Estavillo, Co-Founders at HEALTH SHAK

Airvio Richmond logo
Airivo Richmond

The outcomes of the research were an invaluable part of our process to help us make strategic decisions to develop our flexible workspace offering. I would certainly look to work with the Fresh Minds team again in the future when I have another project, I need help with." 

- Spencer Tagg, Operations Director  

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Mi7 Club

The company has benefited from the market research that the students have conducted. The project objectives overall have been met, and Mi7 Club Ltd looks forward to working with the University of West London on new projects in the near future."

- Ana Avakian, Manager.

Britelives logo
Britelives

It's always useful to have a new set of eyes looking at your business problems - the team provided a very insightful report into Britelives." 

- John Coulthard, CEO.

Jindal logo
Jindal Technology Ltd

Students were confident with their approach to the task. They came up with some useful solutions which will be implemented this year."

- Isha Jindal, Director.

The Musical Museum logo
The Musical Museum

As a result of my experience, I would be more than happy to work with the University and their students on further projects. 

- Michael Ryder, Chairman.

 

Body & Sole logo
Body & Sole

The Claude Littner Business School were an absolutely a pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend this offer to other clients, who are also facing a business challenge.

- Anne O'Malley, Managing Director.

Brentford FC logo
Brentford FC

We were very impressed with both the students’ professionalism and aptitude and also their willingness and ability to learn quickly on the job.

- Rhys Williams, speaking on behalf of the new stadium project team at Brentford FC.

Appy food and drink logo
Appy Food and Drink

Roberto’s research was accurate and the interpretation of the data was very interesting. We appreciate individuals who can identify problems and give a focused analysis; this is one of the hardest things to do and he did it brilliantly."

- Bobby Patel, founder of Appy Food and Drink 

Logo states "CHISWICK PARK #ENJOY-WORK" in black font over a white background.
Chiswick Park

Fresh Minds for Business was a great opportunity for our business. It gave us the resources we didn’t have and brought in fresh thinking. We were very impressed by the work the students delivered. They came up with ideas that we hadn't considered before but will now be implementing very soon."

- Matt Coulson, CEO Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work.

Mercedes-Benz retail group logo
Alexanders Group Logo
Health Shak logo in a light blue font on a white background.
Airvio Richmond logo
Mi7 club logo
Britelives logo
Jindal logo
The Musical Museum logo
Body & Sole logo
Brentford FC logo
Appy food and drink logo
Logo states "CHISWICK PARK #ENJOY-WORK" in black font over a white background.

Meet the team

Female with dark hair and red lipstick, smiling and looking directly into the camera.

Angela Warwick

Client Experience Coordinator

As UWL’s Fresh Minds for Business Client Experience Coordinator Angela provides operational support for the project teams and keeps clients updated on the progress of their projects. With her years of experience in client relations, she will help you with any administrative processes and ensure a positive client experience. ​

Senior consultants

Tony Mulvahil has short black and grey hair and is wearing a smart shirt.

Tony Mulvahil BSc, MAPM

Tony is a consultant working with businesses in West London. He has worked as a consultant in the financial services sector and is a Member of the Association for Project Management. Tony is the lead academic advisor for student-based consultancy projects.

Male business consultant with brown hair, wearing a blue pastel suit and white shirt.

Max Stricker

Max Stricker is a marketing consultant and Course Director at the CIM (Managing Brands and Innovation in Marketing). He’s an expert on Distinctive Brand Assets and has worked with clients in Europe, North America and Asia to improve the distinctiveness and standout of their branding, packaging, POS material and communication. Max also helps clients increase the effectiveness of communications across all channels via a science-based framework. In the last 4 years, he led bespoke client workshops/trainings for over 1500 people globally.

Supporting consultants

Our alumni

Andreea Daniela Coroama BA (Hons)

An International Student Experience Coordinator for the University of West London. She holds a degree in Business Studies with Marketing, and during her university studies, she completed a Fresh Minds consultancy project conducting methodical research and analysis on trends affecting the car retail market.

Female with long brown hair in black suit and white shirt.

Harey Vigneswaran MBA, BA(Hons), CMgr FCMI

A Chartered Fellow of CMI with over 10 years of experience consulting on transformation projects for large organisations like Apple, Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police. He currently runs a consultancy firm in London focused on planning and leading complex change management activities. Harey is an alumnus of the University who himself, completed a Fresh Minds consultancy project whilst a student.

Harey Vigneswaran is smiling, wearing a dark grey suit and white shirt, with black hair.

Contact us

The team at the Claude Littner Business School

Get in touch to find out how we can help you achieve your business goals. 

*All projects are subject to approval by the Head of the Business School.