A team of Psychology students from the University of Liverpool have been crowned national champions at the Young Enterprise UK Start-Up Final 2025, and will now represent the UK at the European finals in Athens this July.
The team, who formed Passing Presence Ltd as part of their Business and Enterprise in Psychology module, wowed judges with their unique, psychology-informed business concept. Their venture offers supportive services for individuals approaching the end of life, aiming to ensure their presence and wishes are honoured with care and dignity.
The five students — Paris Read, Holly Hadley, Rory Montgomerie, Abbie Kleiner-Mann, and Carágh Gray, began developing their idea just 12 weeks ago. Despite having no prior experience in business or enterprise, their dedication and collaboration led them from a classroom concept to national victory.
The team were awarded Best Overall Start-Up Company in the UK and Best Presentation at the national finals, hosted by the University of Hertfordshire. These accolades followed their earlier wins at the regional finals held at the University of Liverpool, where they also earned Best Overall Company and Best Presentation.
Caroline Hands from the School of Psychology said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team. Their passion, empathy, and determination have been inspiring from day one. They’ve shown just how far specialist knowledge and a commitment to helping others can take you – all the way to Athens!”
The Business and Enterprise in Psychology module, delivered by Jen Foden-James from the University’s Careers and Employability team, provides students with hands-on experience of entrepreneurship within a psychological context. It forms part of a wider push to enhance employability and real-world application of psychological skills.
The students will now pitch against top start-ups from across Europe at the GEN-E 2025 European Final in Athens, the largest entrepreneurship festival of its kind. Good luck, and we can’t wait to hear how you get they get on!