Your future, your way: embracing entrepreneurship at UWTSD
A reflection for Global Entrepreneurship Week 17 – 23 November 2025 by Rebecca Jones, Enterprise Development Manager at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)
As it is Global Entrepreneurship Week it seems the perfect time to celebrate the various businesses our student and graduates launch, such as Maria’s forest school or Ken’s 3D printing company, as well as the incredible entrepreneurial skills they develop along the way.
At UWTSD, we’re proud to nurture entrepreneurial talent as self-employment becomes a genuine career pathway for so many of our students.
More than just starting a business
Entrepreneurship isn’t only about launching the next big startup. It’s about building confidence, resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills - qualities that benefit students whether they’re running their own venture or working within an organisation.
As Enterprise Development Manager here at UWTSD, I have had the privilege of watching our students explore possibilities for the future. Some are passionate about motorsport or design work, while others dream of creating their own food business or launching a creative consultancy. What strikes me most is the variety of motivations our students have - rarely is it about one single brilliant idea. For many, self-employment is the perfect way to pursue multiple interests at once. Whatever the reason, every path offers an opportunity to shape their future and find their fit.
The entrepreneurial skills developed in our students are invaluable, whether they start their own venture or apply entrepreneurial thinking in established businesses. Employers across all sectors increasingly value graduates who can work collaboratively, solve problems independently, be innovative, and take the initiative to make things happen. We are here to support students and recent graduates in developing these crucial skills for whichever path they choose.
Why graduates are going it alone
The employment landscape is changing. According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) 4.4 million people where self-employed in the UK during December 2024. This accounts for 13% of the labour market. Graduate Outcomes data for the 2022/23 cohort indicates that 12.3% of UK-domiciled, first-degree graduates were engaged in self-employment 15 months after graduation. This isn’t just about people becoming sole traders, freelancers, agency workers, and business founders, but also about serving local communities and filling gaps in the market that traditional employers haven’t addressed.
The numbers tell an inspiring story. In 2022/23 the number of new businesses started by recent students with formal support from their university stood at 4,908. Each represents a personal journey, professional aspiration, and a contribution to economic growth.
UWTSD ranked first in the UK out of 220 universities for new graduate start-ups that are still active after 3 years and for the number of active businesses according to the 2022/23 HEBCI survey.
What draws graduates to self-employment?
Our graduates consistently tell us they value the concept of autonomy - the ability to set their own schedule, make independent decisions, and put their skills to work in ways that matter to them. Many value the flexibility of being their own boss – shaping their work around their lifestyle and commitments - whilst others love the creative freedom it gives them.
I know from my own experience of running a businesses for over three decades, that the beauty of the entrepreneurial path is that it accommodates different working styles, multiple interests, and can support diverse income streams in ways that traditional employment often cannot. For many of our graduates, this flexibility isn’t just desirable, it’s essential to achieving the career and lifestyle they crave.
Enterprise support from for students and graduates
Whatever path our students are considering, UWTSD’s Enterprise Team will help them explore it within a supportive environment designed to develop the skills they need - no matter which direction they ultimately take.
From one-to-one sessions to refine ideas, training courses to build confidence, and a £500 start-up grant to kick-start ventures, we provide practical tools to turn ambition into action. This support isn’t just for students, as recent graduates can access it too, ensuring they have the guidance and resources to keep moving forward.
And for those ready to take the next step after graduation, we don’t just offer advice, we provide space to grow. Alumni from the past two years can currently access free hot-desking at two of our campuses: The Innovation Matrix at our SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus, a vibrant community of start-ups and researchers, and Canolfan S4C Yr Egin in Carmarthen, home to leading creative companies. These spaces give alumni the chance to work in inspiring environments, connect with like-minded innovators, and develop their ideas.
If you are a student or recent graduate of UWTSD considering self-employment or freelance work, get in touch with our Enterprise Team on enterprise@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Statistics sources: What do graduates do? 2024/25 (HESA/Luminate), HE-BCI Survey 2020/21 (HESA), UK Labour Market- December 2024 (ONS)
About the author
Rebecca Jones is Enterprise Development Manager at UWTSD, with over 30 years’ entrepreneurial experience and two decades supporting enterprise in education. She works with academic teams to embed entrepreneurship into the curriculum, delivers interactive sessions, and offers one-to-one guidance for students launching businesses through initiatives like the University’s start-up course.
Rebecca is a Fellow of Enterprise Educators UK (EEUK), recognised for her contribution to enterprise education and inspiring future business leaders. Beyond her role at the university, she is a speaker, trainer, and author through her consultancy Stretchy Thinking, helping organisations and individuals foster innovation, confidence, and growth.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996