Norfolk Network stories

Norfolk Network takes part in Global Entrepreneurship Week at UEA again this November. We’ve invited Freddy Furber, founder of international mens grooming brand Percy Nobleman, to give an inspirational talk to aspiring student entrepreneurs. We have a limited amount of free tickets for members to join us.

Freddy will share how he’s grown his business from his kitchen table into an international brand in just three years. After graduating in 2011 from Sussex university Freddy started importing and sourcing cosmetic products and then the light bulb moment came – why don’t I create a product for men’s beards?

With no start up funding or investment and little business knowledge Freddy launched Percy Nobleman in 2013 with a few products inspired by his grandfather. It was the first brand in Europe to bring beard grooming into the mainstream. Three years on he has an international brand with a best selling product on Amazon, over 16 products available, has recently expanded into skincare, is stocked in high street giant Boots and ships across the globe to international fans.

The brand is unique in that it has a character, Percy, the young, sophisticated and well-mannered English gent, who helps to market the products through comic book strips.

The talk is free and will run from 2 to 3.30pm at Congregation Hall, 01.19. We’d be delighted to see Network members, but as places are limited it is essential to book beforehand at info@norfolknetwork.com

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a global movement to inspire people everywhere to unleash their ideas and take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. During one week in November activities are held everywhere designed to help people explore their potential as self-starters and innovators.

Norfolk Network has collaborated with UEA for the last 3 years organising inspirational talks and networking events designed to spark students’ creativity and appetite for start up.