Mother and daughter win UEL entrepreneurial award
Rebekha Gooden and Marie-Anne Rase with UEL vice-chancellor, Professor John Joughin - Credit: Thomas Shorey
A mother and daughter have been crowned the University of East London’s top entrepreneurs.
Psychology student Rebekha Gooden and her mother and business partner, Marie-Anne Rase, were crowned E Factor winners for their My Gammies company.
The pair’s range of allergy-friendly health foods for children of nursery age impressed the judges enough to win a £6,000 investment and a range of business support.
They came up with the idea after experiencing difficulties finding appropriate food in restaurants, shops and nurseries for Rebekha’s daughter, who has a fatal allergy and various intolerences.
Rebekha said of their win at Canary Wharf’s Level 39 venue: “It was really unexpected. We’re so happy to have won.
“It feels surreal but it’s lovely to have a whole room full of support.”
Marie-Anne, an alumna of the university, added the business idea was “something we’re really passionate about.”
Most Read
- 1 Man suffers leg wound in Beckton stabbing
- 2 Ex-nurse laid decomposing 'on display' after Met Police searches missed body in flat
- 3 Jailed: Eight east London offenders locked up in July
- 4 West Ham 'couldn't get near' City says Moyes
- 5 Leyton Orient 'got away with one' at Crawley says Wellens
- 6 Man arrested and bailed as Custom House stabbing victim recovers
- 7 Motorist who 'appeared to be driving at other vehicles' in Essex arrested
- 8 Coroner slams 'scandalous' failures after woman laid dead for two years
- 9 Leyton Orient claim second successive League Two win at Crawley
- 10 'Hello Mum' - WhatsApp scammers posing as children steal over £1.5m
Timothy Isle, UEL’s Enterprise Officer and co-organiser of the competition, said: “It’s been a great end to the 10th edition of E Factor.
“But this is only the beginning for all our finalists.
“I’m really excited to see all their ideas progress and them creating credible businesses based at Knowledge Dock.”
Other pitches included an interactive art installation live streamed over the internet, a nightclubbing app, a business bringing together local services and organisations in east London and a website helping students find accommodation.
