Rachel Horton

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I chose Northumbria specifically because of the availability of the Entrepreneurial Business Management course. The unique nature of course and my burning ambition to run my own business, made the course's launch in 2014 an irresistable opportunity. Moreover, Northumbria's Business school has a fantastic reputation,  and a strong history of student enterprise start ups and links with business organisations.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

As a Geordie, I fiercely love Newcastle. My favourite things to do are spending an afternoon visiting all the art galleries and feeling like a culture vulture. I also love all the quirky things Newcastle has, like Lane 7 with indoor bowling and mini golf, or the fantastic Tyneside cinema and its infamous film quiz or even the indoor water theme park wet and wild.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

The North East is a fantastic hub of all sorts of activity; it truly is a thriving part of the country and I'm proud to live and study here.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Northumbria University felt like home straight away! My fellow students on the EBM course feel like family by second year and we will remain in touch forever I hope. The lecturers and tutors are fantastic, full of knowledge and very reassuring in those unsure early days.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The EBM course in its entirity; it is a constant exciting challenge and running your own business whilst at University, means that no day is the same. Coming to Northumbria University, has enabled me to achieve highly academically, whilst experiencing the world of entrepreneurship and business at a practical level; it is fantastic.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My coach Michael Fowle, who helps, inspires, guides and challenges all in equal measure; our business coaches are there within the Entrepreneurial Business Management course, to help us work out some of the practical and emotional issues that occur when running your own business. My Primal Enterprise team have also helped me learn and grow far more than I ever thought possible; I love them as team mates.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

All the Northumbria Alumni who have set up their own businesses and the current Northumbria students who are in the process; they are very inspirational.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place is within our own Entrepreneurial Business Management offices based at the Northern Design Centre; it makes our businesses feel real and we have access to resources that as a start-up growing outside of Northumbria, you could only dream of. You only have to take a look outside at the quayside view to realise how lucky we are!

What is the best thing about your course?

On the course, I have been involved in setting up a business I am extremely passionate about with two other girls. The business is called CleanShakes and we aim to distribute Almond milk milkshakes mixed with fresh fruit that look after you and the planet. Having the ability to build a business around a self identified market opportunity, commercialising a concept and creating a tangible product for the consumer is most certainly the best thing about the course.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

The most valuable lesson I've learnt, is to never underestimate yourself or your team; personal drive can achieve things you thought were impossible.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I want to grow CleanShakes into a global brand and business. In addition, I always seek to promote entrepreneurship within the North East, for students and for women. I hope that my practical experience may see me one day, come back to Northumbria as a lecturer as I intend on continuing learning within postgraduate education.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

Last year, I designed a travelling package for the Sri Lankan tourism industry, as part of a project and that was a brilliant, out of your comfort zone experience. In addition, with CleanShakes, I'm involved with pitching and communicating with big retailers such as Ocado, Fenwicks and Waitrose which is a terrifyingly brilliant experience.