Management School graduate wins prestigious business funding boost
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University of Liverpool Management School graduate and entrepreneur Christina (Tina) Taylor has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Havas Boost Business competition.
Tina, who recently graduated from the Football Industries MBA (FIMBA) is the founder of Aim Sky High (ASH) Talent, with high-profile clients including England No. 1 Mary Earps.
As a mixed Bangladeshi and Black female founder, Tina has built an agency that leverages strong community ties to scout and support talent from underrepresented backgrounds. Spanning expertise in TV, digital influencers, modeling, sports, and dance representation, ASH opens doors for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to entry in these highly competitive fields.
Following a competitive pitching process, Tina used her MBA business plan to emerge as the successful winner of the £150K growth package - comprising cash and media services from Havas. The prize will provide Tina with tools and resources to grow her business. She will be supported by Havas Media Network through Havas Play and its influencer and talent division, to elevate Aim Sky High Talent.
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L to R: Sharon Annafi (Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Havas UK), James Reddington (Joint General Manager Havas Media Manchester), Sian Gabbidon (2018 winner of The Apprentice), Tina, Nick Wright (Chief Growth Officer Havas Media Network UK and Havas Boost programme founder) Thomas Reeve (Strategy Partner, Havas Media Manchester).[/caption]
Tina said: “Winning this competition is exactly what we needed at this time. Partnering with an agency like Havas Media Network will provide us with the expertise and industry connections essential for our growth. We've come this far on our own, but I’m confident this collaboration will elevate us to new heights, enabling us to continue driving meaningful change in the industry."
Dr David Cockayne, Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool’s Management School said: “Tina was a pleasure to work with and her final thesis, which is the basis of her business model innovation. It was great to see her final thesis come together as the outcome of a great deal of persistence, hard work, and thinking beyond traditional business boundaries. She fused her experience from our FIMBA programme with her own business experience to great effect, and I wish her all the best for the future.”
Nick Wright, Chief Growth Officer and programme founder, Havas Media Network, said: “Watching the passion and innovation of the entrepreneurs at the final pitch day was truly inspiring. Tina and Aim Sky High Talent stood out for embodying the same values we cherish at Havas Media Network —social mobility, inclusion, and a relentless drive to create positive change. We are thrilled to support Tina in scaling her business and amplifying the impact she has already made.”
While studying her MBA at the University of Liverpool Management School, Tina received a full scholarship, thanks to a unique partnership between the university, Sky and anti-racism organization Kick It Out. Since 2022, this partnership has delivered four full scholarships each year to Football Industries MBA (FIMBA) home students from under-represented ethnic groups.
In addition to covering the entire cost of the students' tuition totalling £25,950 for 2024, Sky pairs the scholars with influential mentors in the football industry aligned with their individual areas of study. Scholars also receive mentorship from Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council, European study trips, support from a dedicated MBA Leadership and Career Development coach and the opportunity to attend the Future Leaders series hosted by top industry guest speakers.
FIMBA remains the world’s singular football-focused MBA with a key emphasis on business and management within the global football and sports industry. Find out more here.