Leicester College Blog

From Minecraft to a technology business owner

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18-year-old Harry Craven is on his second year of a Computing BTEC National Diploma in IT Level 3 course at Leicester College but is already planning ahead for a career in business by starting his own company!

Harry’s always been excited by new technology and equipment since his Dad introduced him to browser-based video games when he was just three-years-old. Then at six-years-old, he started to play the best-selling video game, Minecraft.

He continued to show an interest in technology, discovered more and showed a natural aptitude for the subject. Now, on the Leicester College course, he’s doing very well and his grades look very promising. Harry says that he’s aiming for a merit or distinction.

Diane Merryweather, Programme Lead at Leicester College said: “Since Harry has been with the College, he gives 110% in all that he does and works to the highest grades, with a high standard of work. He is a pleasure to teach.”

Building a business

In August 2020, as a way to occupy himself during the lockdown and to put his technology expertise into practice, Harry started his own business – Event Stream.

Harry explains: “The business is focused on hosting virtual events, with a view to entering the popular e-sports sector. Although it’s started slowly as a ‘side gig’, in the longer-term, with other people helping me out, I’m hoping to expand the business further and grow the platform to help individuals get into streaming and influencing.

“I’ve been able to bring in several skills from the course such as the animation unit which showed me different ways of creating animations for marketing videos, creating a logo, different designs, website pages, etc.

“As Event Stream expands my knowledge of business will expand so I’m looking forward to learning more about business concepts and generating new ideas.”

Supporting College students

Harry recently offered his support to the College and as a result, has given online guest talks to other College students.

Harry says: “I offered to do the talks to improve my speaking skills. It felt natural and I really enjoyed answering their questions and the thought of possibly inspiring them. I’d definitely consider business mentoring in the future.”

Rupinder Drew, Business Enterprise Manager, Peter Jones Enterprise Academy (PJEA) at Leicester College added: “Harry’s delivered two guest talks back-to-back and wasn’t at all fazed or intimidated by the prospect of talking to fellow students about his start up journey. He will also be hosting a focus group exercise with PJEA students which will help him to develop his business whilst getting invaluable participation and feedback from his peers.

“Harry is really switched on, professional and very astute – I am sure he will go really far in business and in life!”

Planning for the future

“Although I’d like to go on to study at university, I’m going to wait to apply post-Covid. However, I’ve been offered a place on one of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy courses so will join that to extend my knowledge of business principles,” Harry continues.

“Leicester College is helping me to progress both my technology expertise and business understanding. I’m confident that this will provide me with a strong platform to develop in the tech business market.”

To get in touch with Harry, email contact@goeventstream.com

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