Jivan Powell

Business & Management BA (Hons), Management & Entrepreneurship MSc

Jivan always knew he wanted to run his own business, he just didn’t know what it would look like yet. During his time at BCU, that vision began to take shape. After studying Business and Management and later completing a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Management, he graduated with a clearer sense of purpose. A few years later, he turned an idea sparked during the pandemic into an award-winning company, and it all started at BCU.

“I always knew I wanted to run my own business. Even before university, I had notebooks full of ideas and systems I thought could be done better. I was not sure exactly where my ambition would take me, but I knew I wanted the freedom to build something of my own. So, when it came time to choose a university, BCU felt like a perfect place; close to home, but also big enough to explore my goals. I studied Business and Management for my undergraduate degree and later completed a Master's in Entrepreneurship and Management.

Although I loved BCU, university did not come without its challenges. In my second year, I made the big decision to move out and live independently. That came with all the ups and downs of suddenly being responsible for myself in new ways. And in my final year at BCU, I experienced a life-changing incident that could have completely derailed everything, but thanks to the unwavering support of my lecturers, the university’s student services, family, friends and my own determination, I pushed through. During that time, BCU stepped up for me in ways that I’ll never forget, offering me extended deadlines, live access to lectures, and even covering the remainder of my tuition fees. That kind of support stays with you forever, and I am so glad that I was able to complete both my courses on the first go.

I officially graduated from my Master's during the pandemic, a very uncertain time that unexpectedly opened new doors for me. With car washes closed and more time on my hands, I launched a mobile valeting service to fill that gap. What started as a mobile valeting service has evolved into my company, Glint Cleaning Solutions, a fully operational company delivering services across a range of sectors, including industrial, education, office, and post-construction cleaning. We now manage a team of staff and operate across multiple client sites, with a strong focus on quality, health and safety, and long-term client relationships. We have a growing team, multiple client sites, and a real commitment to quality and safety.

My days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love most about what I do. Some days are a mix of strategy, to ensure I am steering the business in the right direction, and others are site visits for relationship-building and, yes, occasionally scrubbing in when needed. I’ve also had the joy of returning to BCU to speak with current students, often invited by former lecturers. It's a full-circle moment every time, and I’ve got a real soft spot for them. They’re doing brilliant work, and I always make time for them.

Running a business does not come without its challenges. The weight of responsibility, learning to delegate, staying calm under pressure, it is not easy. But the mindset I built at BCU, and the resilience life has taught me along the way, continue to guide how I lead today.

Building Glint Cleaning Solutions has been one of my proudest achievements since graduating from BCU, and we recently won an award for the Best Cleaning Business in Birmingham. But in the long term, beyond business, I want to use my journey to inspire others, especially young people who may not see a clear path for themselves right now. I want to show that with determination and the right mindset, it is possible to turn a vision into reality.

My advice to students will be to go in with an open mind and take full advantage of the opportunities around you. The Business and Management course at BCU is not just about textbooks, it involves learning how to think, lead, and adapt in the real world. Engage with your lecturers, they want to see you succeed, build connections with your peers, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and be bold, stay consistent, and remember that growth often comes from the most unexpected moments.

I'm proud of where I am, where I have come from, what I’ve built, and where I’m going. And I’m even prouder to say, 'I AM BCU'."