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.