And the winner is…

Our Ninja Ella took home the Award for Sussex Grad of the Year in the SBAs. We asked her to give a few words on her experience.

As the Advice Cloud team (minus Emina, who has been keeping her distance with the flu) took our seats at our table, surrounded by wine and bread rolls (great combo), the nerves kicked in! We prepared ourselves for the 7th category to be announced at the Sussex Business Awards: the Sussex Graduate of the Year 2017.

Being nominated for the award by Chris and Flo was lovely in itself. I then attended an interview at the University of Sussex campus with Caraline from Midnight Communications (organiser of the Awards) and Andy from the UoS Careers and Employability Centre. This turned into a friendly conversation with like-minded people about technology, society, and opportunity – I was also given some very helpful advice. Summer and I both later found out that we had been shortlisted to the final 5 – we couldn’t believe it! How great to be recognised as successful graduates, and being 2 out of the 5 shortlisted certainly says a lot about Advice Cloud!

I certainly didn’t think I would go on to win, with such fierce competition!

The Grand on Brighton seafront was just that. A black-tie event, everyone was looking their best as we sat down to a 3-course meal and the opening talks. There were 15 categories announced, all related to successful and up-coming businesses and businesspeople; innovative and outstanding services, and responsible, sustainable practices.

There were some definite highlights of the evening. We found out that Chris has a happy dance…unfortunately, we were all too slow to catch it on camera. Also, it had to happen to someone, Luca spilled wine all over the table! When the night was over, and all the Awards had been announced, we danced along to some 80s and 90s hits – me in trainers, because I couldn’t hack the heels any longer!

Winning Sussex Graduate of the Year has been an incredible, overwhelming experience. It’s great to have gained recognition for my contribution to Advice Cloud and my community and to be a part of establishing Advice Cloud as a successful business in Sussex.

The response from everyone has been amazing. My name is in the WiredSussex newsletter, University of Sussex have approached me about doing a case study and many of my clients have said kind words about the win. I hope that we can draw attention to Sussex as a hub for digital and technology, and that my experience will encourage current undergrad and postgrad students in their search for a job after graduating.

And hey, if anyone wants to grab a coffee and talk about procurement, just drop me a message!