Graduates with impressive business vision win Enterprise Challenge.

Greater success is in sight for graduates chosen as winners of the University of Chester 2021 Enterprise Challenge after they impressed an expert panel of judges with their visionary idea to transform the eyewear industry.

Juan Rosalina Tejoprayitno and Daniel Barnes were selected from more than 70 entries and 10 finalists for the coveted title, in the initiative run by The Graham Shapiro Foundation and powered by ARCET Global.

Juan Rosalina, known as Lina, and Daniel have won £1,000 plus a mentorship programme from the Foundation to further develop Pop Specs, their business which aims to change the way people buy prescription glasses.

The pair met while studying for their Master’s in Business Administration at the University’s Business School and quickly became best friends. During the first lockdown of 2020 they set upon the idea to create trendy, affordable, and instantly ready specs. Dan's expertise in optics and Lina's ability to get the job done helped them to make Pop Specs a reality; a dream come true.

Using high-tech, cutting-edge machinery, customers can visit a kiosk, and benefit from a fitting service and styling advice. They only need to wait 20 minutes to get their new single vision glasses - including the frame, lens and anti-glare coating, for just £25 to £45. The fashionable frames along with the affordable price range and speed are making Pop Specs stand out from online competitors and other glasses stores.

They currently have a kiosk at the Trafford Centre in Manchester and plan to open in more prime locations.

Lina, who was born and raised in Indonesia and studied her undergraduate degree in Chicago, said: “Thank you to Graham Shapiro, the Foundation, ARCET Global, the University of Chester Business School and all the judges for this award.

“It means so much to us and will help us to expand the business and help others we work with and offer a service to.”

Daniel, from Chester, said: “We believe our idea will revolutionise the eyewear industry and this award chosen by inspiring business leaders gives us greater confidence and incentive.

“Being a start-up venture, it inspires us to push harder and further. Thank you for all the work in offering this opportunity.”

Graham Shapiro, driving force for the Challenge and Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Chester Business School, said: “Congratulations to Lina and Daniel. The competition was intense and very competitive; the level of initiative and enterprise has been incredible - but they are very deserving winners with their new take on how people visit eyewear retailers and purchase their glasses.

“On behalf of The Graham Shapiro Foundation, I would like to thank all participants for taking part in the Enterprise Challenge 2021.

“The aim of these awards is to encourage entrepreneurial endeavour, reward initiative and recognise that good ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, at any time - and the competition has highlighted some remarkable examples.

“I also want to thank our expert judges: Alissa Koopal, Cody Gapare, Joel Blake OBE, John Mohin OBE, Martin Nolan and Rob McKay; my Trustee Mark Hamill and his company ARCET Global for the incredible online awards platform and virtual ceremony, Associate Prof Connie Hancock, Dr Henry Sidsaph and the marketing team at the University of Chester.”

Mark Hamill, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of ARCET Global said: "ARCET Global is proud to be able to support such a fantastic initiative. As young entrepreneurs ourselves, we know just how important these opportunities are. Kudos to The Graham Shapiro Foundation and University of Chester for bringing this to life.

“Well done to all the finalists, to make it that far is a huge achievement in itself, and a huge congratulations to Daniel and Lina, we wish you and Pop Specs all the best in the future."  

Dr Connie Hancock, Associate Professor and Head of Department for Management at Chester Business School added: “Lina and Daniel are extremely worthy winners - and this award recognises their innovation and drive. We are extremely proud of all they have achieved - and are set to further achieve.

“We are privileged to be able to support students and graduates with this Enterprise Challenge made possible by Graham Shapiro, the Foundation, ARCET Global and our amazing judges.”

The Graham Shapiro Foundation is a charity that supports mental health, well-being, innovation and young entrepreneurialism in the UK and ARCET Global is a leading provider of professional services.

To watch a video of the virtual awards ceremony, which was initially live streamed on Wednesday July 14, videos from all the finalists, and for further information about the Enterprise Challenge, please visit: https://arcetglobal.com/uc-enterprise-challenge.

More about Pop Specs is available at:

https://www.pop-specs.com, https://www.facebook.com/PopSpecsTraffordCentre

https://www.instagram.com/pop.specs.

Pictured - Juan Rosalina Tejoprayitno and Daniel Barnes.