Stephen Burford

In February 2008, Stephen Burford set up the ultimate money advice website for students – the Wealthy Student.

Stephen created the website after seeing friends struggle with their finances at university. Stephen always had a good head for figures and juggled his studies, social life and part time work to make his money go further. He saw that if he could gather resources to create a one-stop shop for student financial advice and money-saving deals, he could help future students to enjoy their time at university or college without worrying about money. “I had always wanted to have my own website and help people out, so it seemed like the perfect choice,” Stephen says.

From the beginning of the venture, Stephen had stacks of self belief, vision and perseverance. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be talking to you now,” he says. However, he didn’t have all the technical knowledge he knew he would need to set up a website, so he started building up his contacts and soon found someone who did. He was awarded a SPEED grant through his university, and also managed to arrange a loan for his business. “The rest,” Stephen says, “is history.”

Stephen admits that there is a shortage of entrepreneurial role models for young people.
“I don’t think there are enough, nor do I think there ever can be enough. We need to be swimming in role models,” says Stephen. “I am inspired by anyone who has achieved their dreams, it needn’t be in business. Whether it be Peter Jones, Michael Phelps or Lance Armstrong – these people have set their goals and done everything they can to get there.”

He has plenty of tips for budding entrepreneurs, urging anyone with an idea to move quickly to bring it to life: “speed of implementation is an important thing in business,” he advises.

And most of all, Stephen says, an entrepreneur must believe completely in themselves and in their business. “Believe in yourself and ignore every negative comment that comes your way,” he says. “The only time not to ignore them is when all your family is screaming at you, “No, don’t do it!” Self belief is key to your success. Keep making small steps every day and you’ll become closer to your big dream.”

You can find out more about The Wealthy Student at www.wealthystudent.co.uk