Award-winning integrated marketing agency Carswell Gould proudly supported the University of Southampton’s Student Founder Showcase on Wednesday 15th October, which is an annual event celebrating the creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit of the university’s next generation of innovators.
As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering enterprise within the region, Carswell Gould presented its own ‘Innovation Award’ to one outstanding student from the cohort of eight student ventures from the University’s Foundership programme.
The winner was Cherish Boxall, who has founded Engage Intelligently – a business that sets out to bridge the gap between scientifically backed engagement strategies and real-world research challenges.
Cherish impressed the judges with a well thought out and practical solution that addresses a real, but little-known challenge. In addition to the prestige of winning the award she will also receive a bespoke afternoon marketing workshop with the Carswell Gould team – offering hands-on guidance to help elevate the Engage Intelligently brand, sharpen its communications strategy, and accelerate business growth.
The Student Founder Showcase highlights the diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial community thriving within the University of Southampton. From freelancers and social changemakers to small-business owners and high-growth tech start-ups, the event demonstrates that innovation is accessible to all disciplines and career paths.
The showcase marks the culmination of the Foundership Scheme, a ten-week programme providing students with expert mentoring, funding, and workspace in the heart of the city. This proximity to Southampton’s vibrant business community enables participants to test ideas, gain real-world feedback, and forge valuable industry connections.
Ed Gould, Creative Director at Carswell Gould, said: “We’re passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, which is why we became the founding partner of Venturefest South. The energy and ambition coming out of the University of Southampton’s Foundership Scheme is inspiring, and it’s a privilege to play a part in helping these young founders take their next steps. Our workshop will give the winner practical insights into marketing strategy, branding, and storytelling which are skills that can make a real difference to their success.”
The event enables students, university staff, business partners, and the wider community to come together to connect, learn, and collaborate, celebrating the power of enterprise to drive positive change in the region.
Carswell Gould’s leadership and active involvement with events like the Student Founder Showcase builds on the agency’s recent award of ‘Growth Catalyst of The Year’ and reflects its commitment to supporting transformational initiatives that deliver real benefits to the region’s economy and business ecosystem.
This is also demonstrated by Carswell Gould spearheading the Venturefest South programme which culminates in the Festival of Innovation at the Utilita Bowl on the 12th November. This has become key date in the calendar for ambitious, scaling businesses across the region. The festival brings together innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and supporters to celebrate and accelerate growth.
For more information about Venturefest South visit: www.venturefestsouth.co.uk
