Entrepreneurial Eric wins £500

Eric Bishyika - contest finalist

AN Oldham college student who runs his own clothing company has come third in a national entrepreneurial competition.

Eric Bishyika (19) was one of 10 finalists from across the UK in the University of South Wales’ (USW) Making Business Happen awards which highlight young entrepreneurial talent.

The former Oasis Academy Oldham pupil created the street-wear brand SW Clothing when he was only 13 — starting out with a £50 loan from his head teacher.

Eric, who has recently set up his own website to reach more customers, said: “I want my website to be a one-stop shop for teenage trendy fashion. At present there isn’t a clothing site that caters for small, quirky street-wear brands and I want to be the main online retailer supporting small brands.”

Eric won £500 in the awards, which he will share with Oldham College.

Fellow Oldham College student Gemma Rothwell (22), who runs her own mobile photography business, was also a finalist at the awards.