A PAIR of recent graduates have teamed up as business partners after finishing their studies at Teesside University.

Ryan Prior and Jonathan Hutton, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Business Management this summer, run two successful businesses – digital marketing and website design service Globe Digital and Mello Cleaning.

The budding entrepreneurs launched Mello during the final year of their studies, after spotting a gap in the way many cleaning businesses were promoting their services.

Mr Prior, 21, of Ingleby Barwick, said: “There are a lot of cleaning businesses, but few offer basics such as online bookings and payment through their websites. It’s a simple idea, which we have been able to leverage by drawing from our online marketing knowledge and expertise.”

Having set up Mello while still students as their business evolved from a degree project, they founded Globe Digital after both graduating earlier this year.

Mr Hutton, 21, of Aycliffe Village, added: “I liked that the degree was really hands-on with plenty of networking opportunities. We were taught by people who have actually worked in business and bring their own personal experience.

“I didn’t have a clear career path when I was younger, but the business management degree really helped to offer direction as it provides students with the skills needed to take their career along many different routes. The placements and networking opportunities are brilliant.

“We developed Mello during the degree and now have a small and growing team. We launched Globe just as we were completing the degree and now have clients across the world, including the United States and Europe.”

  • Students want to attend Teesside University are being encourage to visit its open day on Saturday, January 7.