A Cheshire-based, award-winning entrepreneur has spoken of the importance of self belief, determination and a positive attitude, during a presentation to Business students at the University of Chester.

Andrew Donaldson, Founder and Partner of Big Storage, and former winner of the High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise* , started his first business with £2,000 from the Prince’s Trust and grew it into a multi million pound business.

He spoke to Chester Business School postgraduate students about his experiences of developing new businesses and how to develop and sustain a new brand.

Addressing the audience, he said: “My personal business philosophy is to work hard, treat staff well and lead by example.

“It is very important to have a mentor, and I strongly encourage students to acquire one to advise and help guide them in their personal and business development.”

Big Storage currently operates from sites in Chester, Warrington, Handforth Dean, Macclesfield, Morecambe and Lancaster, and offers a combination of domestic self-storage facilities, together with flexible business space.

The company has become one of the 10 largest self-storage and business centre operators in the UK, providing 3,000 storage and business space units.

Chris Pyke, Head of Chester Business School, added: “We are extremely grateful to Andrew for being a most inspiring speaker, and providing valuable advice to our students.”