Heard the one about the pub that brews its own beer...or the American and Japanese tourists on the hunt for the elusive Haggis...or even the text message that alerts you of your next bus? These are just some of the ideas put forward from students participating in the Big Idea Big Bash at the Wolfson Medical Building on Tuesday 16 December.

The Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) and the University of Glasgow's Students in Enterprise Society have been running a business idea competition for students during the first semester of the year, where 30 students from all disciplines, both undergraduate and postgraduate, have the chance to develop their own business skills.

'The idea behind the Big Idea is to enable students to create and potentially run their enterprise activities, giving them a flavour for the real thing and enhancing their business skills. The number of participants that we have had, and the inventive ideas they have come up with have been fantastic,' explains Greig Sinclair, Enterprise Manager at the Scottish Institute for Enterprise.

'The top ideas will also have the opportunity to compete in the national business competition that SIE are running in the New Year and pitch their ideas against students across the country.'

During the Big Idea Big Bash prizes will be given to the best business ideas. Some key speakers will be on hand to entertain students. Leading personal development and motivational experts Jamie Russell and Derek Walker who set up "Tree of Knowledge" will be discussing their business. The Dunfermline based pair have previously worked with internationally renowned motivational speaker, Jack Black. The University's Rector comedian Greg Hemphill will be raising a few laughs, and Louise Cochran of the Prince's Scottish Youth Trust will offer students advice on starting up. As if this isn't enough given the time of year everyone will receive a Christmas gift.

Prizes for the best business ideas will be handed out at the Big Bash on Tuesday 16 December between 12pm and 2pm in Seminar Room 3 of the Wolfson Medical Building, followed by refreshments and the opportunity to network.

As a bonus for attending, students who register are in with a chance of winning vouchers with FOPP Records. To register please phone Greig Sinclair on 0141 330-2625 (greig.sinclair@enterprise.gla.ac.uk) or text your name 07800 958912.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For more details or to attend please contact the University Press Officer, Mike Findlay on 0141 330-8593 or email: m.findlay@admin.gla.ac.uk, or contact Kevin Dorrian at Acumen PR on 0131 624-1155 or email: kevin.dorrian@acumen-pr.com.

"Tree of Knowledge" provides training and motivation programmes for corporate clients. Dunfermline based Jamie Russell and Derek Walker set up the company in December 2001, with funding support from Prince?s Scottish Youth Trust, which provides seed corn finance and professional support for 18-25 year olds. For more information see: Tree of Knowledge Website / PSYBT Website.

First published: 15 December 2003