A STUDENT from a York university has been awarded an honour by the Duke of York.

Lauren Hall graduated from York St John University, and was recognised by Prince Andrew for her entrepreneurial skills, after she launched her own production company.

Lauren, who completed a degree in Theatre and a Masters in Theatre and Performance, founded her own company last year.

She set up and became managing director of Impact Media Productions, which is based in Lancashire, as she was frustrated by the lack of opportunities available to her, and the number of companies who expected her to work for free - ‘to prove she was worth it’.

Ms Hall said she decided to channel that frustration into her theatrical expertise, and now creates video content that clients pay for, with her work on personal social health and education (PSHE), being used by schools around the country.

The awards aim to celebrate growth in job opportunities in an entrepreneurial economy, and “to support and raise the profile of start-up businesses”.

They are presented annually to students or graduates who have created a business or social enterprise with potential for sustainability and growth, and include nominees from ten universities across Yorkshire.Ms Hall, who received a certificate of recognition from the Duke of York, said she was “so honoured to receive this amazing award”.

She said: “I’m passionate about making a social impact and wanted to use my skills in theatre and production to create content for and with clients on socially relevant issues that explain and analyse those issues through the eyes of the audience. With Impact Media, I can help to educate through engagement and participation using media and drama.”

She was supported through the Grad2Director alumni start-up programme at York St John University to register as a limited company and help her to develop her offer to customers.