A family affair

For second year students, industry speakers included representatives from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Moore & Smalley, Peter Waller-Flynn Privilege HR, and Ramsden Recruiting

The family behind local Italian restaurant Cucina Di Vincenzo were among the guest speakers who shared their experience of running a successful small business. The Business School’s Assistant Head Brian Ricketts tells us more.

We were delighted to welcome Vince Margiotta and his daughter Nina, who run the very successful local restaurant Cucina Di Vincenzo. As a family business situated near to our Hope Park campus, we were keen to hear their story and for our students to gain an insight into the real practicalities of running a business.

NHS Finance also attended and brought along their current Business School placement student Joe Aitkin, while student Simon Burki discussed his placement at Nestlé.

Other highlights included a Masterclass in Marketing presented by Plus Dane Housing Corporate Communications team, and an insight into business startup and entrepreneurship from founder of local restaurant Cucina Di Vincenzo.

Reflecting on the events, Lyndsey said: “I’d like to express my thanks and gratitude to all of our industry speakers who bring their time, energy and support to the Business School.

“The guest speaker talks are delivered with passion and enthusiasm, and provide a source of inspiration for students on future employment opportunities and insights into different business sectors across the North West.”

If you would like to contribute as an Industry Week guest speaker 2024 or host a student site visit, please contact Lyndsey Jayne Burkert, Business Engagement & Employability Manager at Liverpool Hope Business School, on 0151 291 3905 or email burkerl@hope.ac.uk

Vince talked about his early life, how he developed a passion for business based within the hospitality trade, and how he came to set up Vincenzo. His talk highlighted how the restaurant is a true family business, as his other daughter Gabriella also works there. The talented chef creates many of the popular dishes and recently showcased her skills on the small screen on MasterChef: The Professionals

After a very lively and incisive presentation from Vince, students asked a number of questions that covered a broad range of themes. Among the topics were recruitment issues, how the business looks after its staff, the use of social media, and its plans for the future. The two students who asked the best questions - as judged by Vince and Nina - won a £50 voucher for the restaurant, kindly donated by Vince.

It was great to see the lecture theatre full of engaged students, so it’s fair to say we will be planning similar future events alongside other local businesses.