Double win for LJMU students at Innovation in Business Awards 2022

Pictured: Left: Marino Faggionato, Young Person of the Year. Right: Stuart Irvine, Young Person of the Year: Innovation Award

A student and a recent graduate from LJMU have scooped two awards at the Liverpool Chambers Innovation in Business Awards 2022. 

Current student, Marino Faggionato won the award for the Young Person of the Year, whilst Stuart Irvine, a recent LJMU graduate, won the Young Person of the Year: Innovation Award. 

Young Person of the Year Award: Innovation 

Stuart, 25, from Larne, Northern Ireland recently graduated with a degree in Computer Science, he explains why he was nominated and what it felt like to win: 

“I was an intern at hi-impact and while I had limited time there, I worked very hard to make a huge impact with everything that I did. Unbeknown to me, my manager put my name forward for the award. It was a complete shock to be shortlisted and a complete surprise to win. It’s such a great feeling knowing all my hard work really paid off though.” 

Stuart’s internship at hi-impact ended up turning into a full time role and he is now a 3D Virtual Tour Specialist at the company. 

So what would be Stuart’s advice for those trying to be innovative when it comes to business? 

“I would advise students and graduates to find a workplace that takes your ideas on board and listen to your opinions/thoughts. It's key to think outside the box and ensure that you try your best at every opportunity.” 

Young Person of the Year Award 

Marino Faggionato, 26, won the Young Person of the Year award for his start up business, All for Finance.  

The first year Business with Finance student has worked with the LJMU Start-up Hub, which put him in touch with LCR Founders, which aims to gather entrepreneurial talents from LJMU and the University of Liverpool. All for Finance aims to educate the general public and their financial knowledge. 

Marino said: “For me, it was really unexpected to win the award for Young Person of the Year. The competition was really tough, I knew the others nominees' background and achievements, and winning felt like a real achievement.

When they said my name, it felt like a dream. Getting the award means that tall the hard work for 'All for Finance' is recognized and valued, and that all the bad moments, that an entrepreneur goes through, are worth it in the end.”