Entrepreneur, James, 31, has used the knowledge gained from his Open University (OU) qualifications to launch an international business that creates affordable haptic and virtual reality (VR) simulators, which are revolutionising medical education.

Focused from a young age

James chose to work full-time after completing his A Levels so that he could leave university without debt.

“I went straight to work after finishing school, and through hard work and dedication I managed to become a manager of my local Iceland store at just 18,” James said.

“I saw the value of higher education but didn’t want to take out a loan to go to university, like many of my friends had.

“Learning whilst earning meant that I could ‘pay-as-you-go’ with my studies, as I was only required to fund a module at a time.

“I chose to study an Open Degree with the OU and tailored my modules to focus on law and business studies, as even at 18, I knew that one day I wanted to be in the position where I didn’t have a boss staring down on me or I’d be managing my own business.

“The OU was the only option in terms of university, as it allowed me to fit my studies around full-time employment.”

Recognised by employers

James found that the skills he was learning through his OU studies were appealing to employers.

“At the age of 20, I was headhunted by shoe retailer, Russell & Bromley to launch a new store in Edinburgh.

“Without a doubt, having the OU on my CV helped me to secure this position. Studying whilst working demonstrated my willingness to progress, as well as the time management that was required to work a full day on the shop floor and then study in the evenings.

“Personally, it also really helped that I was able to apply what I was learning in my modules directly to my employed work. I could put in practise my new skills, which gave me real-life examples that I used in my assignments.

“The flexibility of the OU meant that I could even take my studies with me when I took a break from work and travelled the world.”

Caught the OU bug

Once James had completed his Open degree, he decided to pursue an MBA with the OU.

“After I’d returned from my travels, I launched a management training company called JP Mentors. In the same way that my degree had helped shape my career in retail, I wanted to study again to support my journey to becoming a business owner.

“Once again, the ability to study with the OU whilst working solidified my decision to sign up for the OU’s MBA programme.

“Through the MBA I’ve been introduced to some great contacts and resources that have helped me to develop my business ideas.

“In 2019, I partnered with a friend and started UNI SIM. We design and manufacture haptic and VR simulators for the medical industry. Our equipment is being used to educate the next generation of dentists, nurses and doctors, and includes kits that teach everything from how to administer a lumber punch to oral surgery.

“In the first year of trading we took around £150,000 and this year it’s been close to half a million. We just released a new simulator which has a pre-order with a university in Morocco, so we’re feeling very positive about the future.”

Supported by the OU and Santander

James and his colleague are representing the UK in Santander Universities’ global competition, which all began with the OU.

“When UNI SIM was just an idea, I submitted my business plan to the OU’s Open Business Creators Fund and was lucky enough to win £1,500. This allowed me to buy equipment, like VR headsets that I could use when visiting potential clients.

“The OU then put UNI SIM forward for Santander Universities’ Entrepreneurship Awards, where we won £15,000, which was amazing.

“We’ve now reached the finals where we’ll pitch to the global CEO of Santander and hopefully secure further funding for UNI SIM. We’re the only business from the UK and will be competing against businesses from across the world.”

Made possible with the OU

As James nears the end of his MBA, he reflects on his journey so far.

“Being able to continue my education whilst working has given me such an advantage. I’ve been able to achieve everything that I’ve wanted to. It’s changed my life completely.

“You can go really far with the OU, so if you’re considering studying, there’s no better time than now.”

Find out more about the newly launched Open Business Creators Fund and how to apply on the Opportunity Hub. With grants from £1,000 to £10,000 provided by the Higher Education Innovation Fund and Santander Universities, this funding competition will support students from the idea stage through to those running an early-stage start-up.

Visit the Entrepreneurs Hub from the OU Careers & Employability Services team for advice on starting your business and the support available.

Take a free OpenLearn Entrepreneurship short course to help you transform your business idea into a reality.