Graduate start-up business pitches at Wembley Stadium

Graduate start-up, Everdurance, is an eco-friendly water and flavoured drinks distributor across the UK founded by Marketing Management graduate, Callum Mathers. Callum took part in this year's Santander X Entrepreneurship Awards, pitching at Wembley Stadium in front of a panel of expert judges. Here he shares his experiences of being a part of the competition:

"I was made aware of the Awards in February 2021 with these being presented as an opportunity to develop personally and professionally with the support of incredible mentors over several months, culminating in the pitching competition to be in with a chance of winning £75,000. Before I could become a part of the programme, I had to compete against some great businesses who had also received support from the University's Student & Graduate Enterprise Service to secure my place to represent Northumbria.

From the outset I was most excited about the network and opportunities that the awards would open for me. The program would be full of like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and facilitators. A pure melting pot of ambition, fuelled by some incredible people.

The program and pitching event were incredible, it felt as though I had finally found my community. It was a bunch of passionate, yet light-hearted business-minded creatives who were driven to make a difference in the world.

After having pitched at Wembley, I sat on the train back to Newcastle in deep thought about how I could propel Everdurance to the next three levels rather than just a single next level. The conclusion was that I had to grow my team. The next step for Everdurance will be fast expansion. I will be taking on two marketing and development staff members to increase awareness of our mission but also target hotels. I have also began reaching out to potential Non-Executive Directors to help focus and guide us, progressing to ask the question… are we ready to raise investment? Watch this space!"