By Tanhim Shamit, Marketing Coordinator, FSB Sheffield 

In June 2025, Fairfield School of Business (FSB) Sheffield campus proudly hosted its first SharkTank competition – an event was designed to spark entrepreneurial ambition and shine a light on the next generation of business talent. Students were invited to pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges, competing for funding and the chance to represent Sheffield in the national final against other FSB campuses in London.

The judging panel featured FSB Lecturer Muhammad Haroon, Campus Dean Katarzyna Czech, and guest panellist Ruth Haigh, a respected Sheffield entrepreneur and Director of The Treehouse Board Game Café. Together, they brought a valuable blend of academic insight and real-world business experience to the event.

Ruth’s presence brought a unique and valuable perspective to the panel. Drawing from her experience of identifying a gap in the local market and transforming a bold concept into The Treehouse Board Game Café, a thriving community space. Ruth offered students a powerful example of entrepreneurship in action. Her message was both clear and inspiring: channel your passion into something real, take risks, and back yourself.

“We’d rather try and fail than never give it a go” she shared – a reminder that some of the most successful ventures begin with courage and conviction.

Ruth’s experience in nurturing a start up from concept to success resonated deeply with the students, especially within the context of Sheffield’s vibrant local economy.

Meet Marilena Viorica Manolescu – a sharp thinker with a passion for innovation.

With over 15 years of experience in the supply chain sector, Marilena brought more than just a product to SharkTank. She brought a strong business idea shaped by insight, customer understanding, and thoughtful planning. Her brand, Pedi Flex, was created to offer high quality insoles that focus on comfort and daily wellbeing.

Since launching Pedi Flex on Amazon nearly a year ago, Marilena has built her brand from the ground up. She has combined her industry experience with a clear sense of what customers need. What started as a simple product soon became a growing business with purpose and potential.

Her pitch didn’t just impress the judges – it inspired them.

Marilena was named the winner of FSB Sheffield’s SharkTank, earning her a place at the final event in FSB Croydon. There, she competed against some of the most promising student entrepreneurs from across the country and proudly secured third place in the national competition.

Under the supervision of FSB mentors, with fresh investment and a growing confidence, Marilena is looking to expand the brand beyond insoles, working on new shoe designs that combine comfort with style.

Marilena’s story shows what is possible when education, experience, and ambition come together. It offers a powerful message to other students: with the right mindset and support, even a simple idea can go far.