James Uffindell

My two organisations, Pure Potential and Oxbridge Applications, have now helped more than 40,000 Year 12 students apply to Britain’s best universities. Through this work I’m lucky enough to have developed a network ranging from graduate recruiters at some of the best companies in the world, teachers at schools across the UK and lots of parents who work in a variety of areas. This is all on top of lots of fellow entrepreneurs. This gives us a unique vantage point.

To help people achieve their potential - education can be a powerful motivator. Without certain individuals coming into my own life I wouldn’t be where I am today and this motivated me to help other’s go further.

Every year we put thousands of students in direct contact with the inspirational speakers we have on our events - those are by far the best connections we make happen every year. For a 17 year old to hear directly from an organisation as impressive as Goldman Sachs, or a wannabe doctor to hear from the BMA is brilliant.

A good event should be like a good host - friendly, interactive, humorous, relaxed and value-adding. As a host the key thing is detail - you’ve got to know what’s happening, when and who’s doing it. Everyone should leave the event feeling it’s improved them in some way – if they don’t it’s a waste of time.

The Make Your Mark campaign is great. I would add to that list our database of 350 graduates who do our training and the Association of Graduate Recruiters.