Last week, we were delighted to announce the first ever winners of our Business Enterprise Award for FHS Alumnae. Launched by our Alumni Association in the Autumn Term, this award offers up to £10,000 to support fellow Old Girls in Business and Entrepreneurial initiatives. Applications were considered from early-stage start-ups to established small businesses.

The calibre of candidates was truly excellent, reflecting the entrepreneurial flair of the FHS Community. Five alumnae were invited through to the second round of the application process, which involved submitting a business plan, further detailed financial information and reference checks before proceeding onto an interview with Alumni Association Committee members. The judges meticulously assessed each business proposition on a number of factors, especially sustainability and social responsibility.

Congratulations to our first ever winners: Alice de Muller, Natalija Jovasevic and Nour Yakoob. Alice has founded LOVE ALICE, a fashion retail brand championing pre-owned designer and vintage clothing, aiming to disrupt the landfill cycle. Nataliya is the founder of Ayllu Box which produces and sells sustainably packaged, locally sourced and plastic-free beauty and wellness goods. Our third winner, Nour, founded her company Nuun to bring together her love of design, fine patisserie and social justice. Each of our winners have been awarded cash grants to help develop their businesses and we are very much looking forward to following their progress.

In line with our Vision, creativity, innovation and enterprise have become key focuses at FHS as our award-winning Creative Enterprise Programme encourages girls to become the young entrepreneurs who will be the job creators of the future. Increasing numbers of FHS students are now setting up their own social enterprise initiatives and businesses, many of which trade publicly, including a thriving bespoke trainer business and an Etsy channel. It is so exciting to watch our former and current pupils alike take risks, support each other and show real FHS spirit as they pursue their business and social enterprise ambitions. We look forward to continuing to watch our current pupils follow in Old Girls’ footsteps, as we ride a continuously evolving wave of entrepreneurial enthusiasm and optimism.

Congratulations to all of our nominees and winners and thank you so much to our Alumni Association and particularly to our Co-Chairs, Audrey and Anne, for having created such an exciting award which fits so perfectly with FHS Culture. Watch this space!