Budding entrepreneurs from Anglia Ruskin University have been given a unique opportunity to work with Virgin Money to develop an insurance proposal.

Students of the University's BA (Hons) Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management course have been given the opportunity to help shape the future of the pet insurance arm of Virgin Money. As part of their course, the 12 students will work to produce a commercial plan designed to increase business levels of the Virgin Money Pet Insurance proposition over the coming year.

Students have until December 2008 to develop a commercial strategy, building on the success of the existing product proposition. Students will also be responsible for developing their own market entry plan including proposals as to how they would bring the ideas to market. To help the students, Virgin Money is providing regular manager level contact to work with the three groups of students.

The proposals from the three groups will then be presented to a panel from Virgin Money, and if any of the ideas are taken on board, students will play a role in helping to see the proposals implemented to market as part of their 'learning in residence' module.

With the government keen to see greater links between university courses and big business, the tie-in between Virgin Money and Anglia Ruskin University represents an opportunity for both sides to develop closer ties.