Curriculum Vitae.
Profile
Jake is a multi-award-winning and globally recognised BSc Product Design student and entrepreneur, passionate about creating innovative, user-centred solutions. His experience spans product development, packaging design, and entrepreneurship, having founded EZ Beverages UK Ltd, a functional beverage brand enhancing everyday nutrition and performance.
With a background in engineering, UX/UI, and functional design, Jake has successfully led and collaborated on projects that merge creativity with technical expertise. His internship at Crown Holdings Inc. refined his skills in structural and promotional packaging design, while his leadership as a Student Ambassador and CERT Mentor at Nottingham Trent University has reinforced his ability to guide and inspire others.
Beyond design, Jake brings a competitive edge from representing Scotland in international hockey, instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience in his approach. Always eager to learn and collaborate, he is excited to connect with professionals who share a vision for design, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Experience
Imperial College London, London, UK 2025 -- 2026
MSc Design Engineering
An interdisciplinary programme combining engineering, design thinking, and innovation. Focused on developing advanced technical and creative skills through collaborative projects, research, and real-world applications at the intersection of design and technology.
Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK 2021 -- 2025
BSc (Honours) Product Design (SW) - First Class Honours
Completed a diverse portfolio of projects spanning medical devices, engineering solutions, UX/UI, and functional product design. Demonstrated strong creative and technical skills, consistently recognised with multiple awards for innovation and excellence throughout the degree.
NTU Enterprise Programme, Nottingham, UK 2024 -- 2025
Engaged in a dynamic, collaborative programme featuring 12 weekly workshops focused on equipping participants with essential skills and tools to successfully launch and develop the initial phases of a business venture.
EZ Beverages UK Ltd, Edinburgh, UK 2023 -- Present
CEO and Founder, EZ Beverages UK Ltd
Founder and CEO of a functional beverage company focused on enhancing nutrition and performance for active, busy lifestyles. Developing a range of products designed to support individuals at all levels, from beginners to elite athletes, through scientifically informed formulations.
Crown Holdings Inc., Oxfordshire, UK 2023 -- 2024
Packaging Design Engineer Intern, Crown Technology
Contributed innovative design solutions addressing customer needs across structural packaging, functional performance, artwork, and promotional materials. Collaborated with project teams to support engineering processes and optimise production line efficiency.
Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK 2022 -- Present
Student Ambasador, School of ADBE
Representing the School of ADBE at open days and campus tours, engaging with prospective students and visitors to share insights and promote academic programs and student life.
Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK 2022 -- Present
Student CERT Mentor, Product Design (BSc)
Acting as a primary point of contact for new students, providing guidance and support to help them transition smoothly into university life and academic studies.
Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative, Edinburgh, UK 2021 -- 2022, Summer 2023/2024
Bicycle Mechanic/Sales Assistant, Online Department
Responsible for assembling new bicycles and processing online and phone sales. Collaborated closely with the team to ensure timely shipping and excellent customer service.
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK 2019
Headstart Engineering Course
Engaged in team-based projects across multiple engineering disciplines, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the field. Participated in talks by current engineering students, broadening my understanding and professional network.
Rolls Royce, Glasgow, UK 2019
Engineering Development Trust - Silver
Gained hands-on experience on the shop floor and insight into R&D processes, observing how small turbine blades are machined, treated, and tested within a leading aerospace engineering environment.
11FS, London, UK 2019
Finance/UX/UI Work Experience
Gained valuable insights into building a leading FinTech company through direct interviews with the CEOs and founders of 11FS and Monzo. Explored the intersection of finance and user experience design, expanding understanding of industry opportunities and innovation.
Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK 2018
Inspire Engineering Course
Engaged in team-based problem-solving challenges, including programming RC cars, while gaining valuable insight into the engineering programs and opportunities offered by the university.
Experience Cont’d (Voluntary)
Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK 2022 -- 2025
Student Representative, Product Design (BSc)
Acted as a key liaison for Product Design students, gathering and communicating feedback and suggestions to faculty to enhance the course and overall student experience.
Scran Academy, Edinburgh, UK 2018
Voluntary Food Delivery, Driver
Provided essential support by delivering free meals to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals in Edinburgh, helping those at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Edinburgh Academy, Edinburgh, UK 2015 -- 2020
Hockey Coach
Coached children of all ages during school holidays and volunteered as a weekend coach with the Inverleith Hockey Club (IHC), fostering skill development and teamwork.
Hockey Academy, Edinburgh, UK, Summer 2015 -- 2020
Hockey Coach
Inverleith Hockey Club, Edinburgh, UK 2015 -- 2020
Hockey Coach
Awards / Honours
2025/26 Studentship - Royal Commission of the Exhibition of 1851
Industrial Design Studentship recipient, Fellow and Member of the 1851 Royal Commission. Awarded in recognition of excellence in design innovation and engineering, supporting postgraduate study at Imperial College London and the development of impactful, industry-focused design work.
2025 Future Leader - Paris Packaging Week
Selected as a 2025 Future Leader in recognition of emerging talent in sustainable and innovative packaging design. Invited as a guest panel speaker to share insights on design thinking, user experience, and the future of packaging within the industry.
2024 IOM3 - Road to Entrepreneurship (RtE)
Keynote speaker for the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining's Road to Entrepreneurship programme. Shared personal journey and insights on design-led innovation, startup development, and the intersection of materials science and entrepreneurship with early-career professionals and aspiring founders.
2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Finalist in the Early Stage Start-Up category for EZ Beverages, recognised for entrepreneurial innovation, brand development, and growth potential in the food and drink sector. Honoured among the UK’s most promising new businesses driving positive change.
2024 Business Plan Hatchery Competition By NTU
2nd Place in Business Plan Hatchery - EZ Beverages
Runner Up in Sustainability Award - EZ Beverages
2024 UK Start-Up Awards Finalist - Scotland
Finalist for Retail and E-Commerce Start-Up of the Year with EZ Beverages, celebrating innovation, brand impact, and entrepreneurial success in the Scottish start-up ecosystem. Recognised for building a standout consumer brand with strong growth potential.
2023 Global Packaging Competition By WPO Worldstar Students
Certificate of Recognition - Ernaere (Aluminium Skin Case Packaging)
2022 National Packaging Competition By IOM3 Starpack Students
Gold Award - Ernaere (Aluminium Skin Case Packaging)
Sponsor Award - Ernaere (Aluminium Skin Case Packaging)
2022 Aluminium Extrusion Competition By Norsk Hydro
Gold Award - Hydruu (Aluminium Extruded Bicycle Wall Mount)
2022 Certified Solidworks Associate (CSWA)
2019 Engineering Development Trust (EDT) With Rolls Royce
Awarded the Silver Industrial Cadet Award for completing a STEM placement with Rolls-Royce through the Engineering Development Trust. Gained hands-on experience in engineering design and innovation within a leading aerospace environment.
2017 - 2022 Duke Of Edinburgh
2022 - Gold Award
2019 Silver Award
2018 Bronze Award
Professional Registrations
Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
Institution of Engineering Designers - Student Member (StudIED)
Charted Society of Designers - Student Member (CSD)
Hobbies
Road and MTB Cycling
Musselburgh Road Cycling Club
Nottingham Trent University Cycling Club
Social
Hockey
Oxford Hawks HC Mens 1st & 2nd XI
Beeston HC Mens 1st & 2nd XI
NTU HC Mens 1st & 2nd XI
Scottish Hockey U21, U18, U16
Edinburgh Academy HC 1st XI
Inverleith HC 1st, 2nd XI, U18, U16, U14
Travel
2024 - Travelled around South East Asia for 2 months discovering and embracing the culture, design and history across 4 countries.