On Friday 13th September, the Business Studies Department welcomed George Carson, Y1 Sport, to deliver an insightful talk to students about starting and growing a business in the highly competitive sports industry. The students were offered a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the entrepreneurial journey and how to succeed in a fast-paced and ever-evolving market.
Y1 Sport: From University Students to Market Leaders
Y1 Sport was founded by business partners, Chris Rea and Tom Carson (brother of speaker, George), when they were students at the University of Exeter. In 2012, they appeared on the popular TV show Dragon’s Den, where their innovative business idea gained exposure and attention. Despite the challenges of being young entrepreneurs, they successfully turned their passion for hockey into a thriving business. George shared how their appearance on the show sparked the momentum needed to launch Y1 Hockey, and later, Y1 Sport and how, since then, it has grown to become a leading brand recognised for its high-performance products and strong ethical values.
Spotting a Gap in the Market
A central theme of George’s talk was the importance of spotting gaps in the market, a critical skill for any budding entrepreneur. He explained how Y1 Sport initially identified an opportunity by focusing on areas within the sports industry that had potential and were overlooked by larger brands. George encouraged students to pay attention to consumer needs and emerging trends, stressing that innovation often comes from recognising what others have missed. Students learned that being observant and curious about the world around them can help reveal potential opportunities.
Diversification and Adaptability
George also spoke about the importance of diversifying business offerings to stay competitive and relevant. He shared valuable insights into how businesses must continuously innovate, particularly in competitive markets where trends shift rapidly. Whether through introducing new products, improving existing offerings, or exploring new markets, diversification was presented as key to long-term success.
Sustainability: A Core Value of Y1 Sport
Beyond product innovation, George highlighted Y1 Sport’s commitment to sustainability, a core principle that guides their business decisions. As a carbon-neutral company, Y1 Sport places great emphasis on reducing its environmental footprint. George explained how Y1 has made sustainability a key part of its business model, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to offsetting carbon emissions throughout their supply chain.
This focus on sustainability not only aligns with the company’s values but has also been a critical factor in building customer loyalty. In today’s market, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that demonstrate social responsibility, and Y1 Sport’s proactive approach to becoming carbon neutral has helped the company stand out in a competitive industry. George urged students to think about the long-term impacts of their business decisions on the environment and to consider sustainability as an essential aspect of modern business practice.
Lessons Learned: Decision Making in Business
George urged students to base decisions on solid research and analysis while remaining open to experimenting and learning through experience.
He also acknowledged that decision-making can often be challenging, particularly when faced with uncertainty. However, George encouraged students not to shy away from difficult choices. He reminded them that every business faces obstacles, but overcoming them is part of the learning process.
Advice to Students: “Just get started and give things a go”
In his closing remarks, George offered students some practical advice drawn from his own experiences. He emphasised the importance of taking action and not being deterred by the fear of failure. “Just get started and give things a go,” resonated with students as he explained that no entrepreneur succeeds without encountering challenges along the way.
Mistakes, he said, are an inevitable part of any business journey, but they provide valuable learning opportunities. George’s message was clear: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; instead, learn from them and use those lessons to improve. He encouraged students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to persist even when things seem difficult.
George Carson’s visit provided students with an inspiring and informative glimpse into the world of business and entrepreneurship. His talk emphasised the importance of innovation, sustainability, adaptability, and resilience in building a successful business. Students left with a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in a competitive industry and were inspired to think creatively about their own future ventures.
The Business Studies department would like to thank George Carson for taking the time to share his valuable insights with our students. His advice to “give things a go” will no doubt resonate with many of them as they embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.
