A legacy of goodwill

Arthur’s gift will fund entrepreneurs like George Bailey (ECO18), whose company Coral Eyewear produces glasses frames from discarded ocean plastics.

With a gift in his will, local builder Arthur Hamlin is transforming the prospects of UEA students.

Starting your own company is a fantastic way to learn new skills, gain new experiences and, for many, enjoy success you might never have thought yourself capable of. Now, thanks to one man, more budding entrepreneurs at the University are getting the support they need to take their first steps into the world of business, through the UEA Enterprise Fund. His name was William Arthur Hamlin, known to everyone as Arthur. “My brother wanted to introduce something new and innovative,” explains Arthur’s sister, Alison. “He always tried to help others who, like himself, had ambitions in life but didn’t necessarily have the resources to put those ideas into action. “He was concerned that young people with great ideas might not have the funds to build a prototype of their product or improve existing inventions. His aim was always to ‘be useful’.” From humble beginnings, Arthur’s natural tenacity helped him overcome challenges. Just like the UEA motto, he was proud to do different, Alison explains. “My brother was a thoughtful man, but he found school challenging. He was practical and resourceful, and believed in ‘using your hands’. As a teenager he sold the vegetables he grew to the local community.” A builder by trade, Arthur converted five properties in Norwich that he rented to students. Over time, he got to know his tenants’ plans and the challenges they faced. With an extraordinary gift in his will of £943,000 to the Enterprise Fund, his legacy lives on. Arthur’s gift means that more student and graduate entrepreneurs will receive grants and equity investments through the fund to grow their business and make it commercially sustainable. Any returns are reinvested into the Enterprise Fund, and entrepreneurs are also offered expert mentorship, coaching and access to business resources. Since the Enterprise Fund was launched, over 20 new businesses and startups have received financial support worth more than £495,000. “Arthur loved the idea of retired professionals overseeing and supporting a new generation to inspire good,” Alison continues. “He was hard-working, kind and gently-spoken. I should think he’d be very excited to see the amazing things happening today thanks to his money. I know he’d be driving for their success.” We are deeply grateful to all those who have left a legacy or pledged a gift in their will to UEA. These generous bequests are helping The Difference Campaign plan for the future and support the University’s pioneering work.