Forget iphones, skinny jeans or the latest BMX – snazzy snacks, lumpy lollies and lickable lids are set to be the new, must-have accessories for the new school year, according to young entrepreneurs in Mansfield, Ashfield and Bolsover.
On Wednesday 7 October, enterprising youngsters were given the chance to showcase these new innovative products and ideas to a panel of judges.
The Dragon’s Den style event took place at the Post Mill Centre in South Normanton, Derbyshire. Over 150 young people aged 14 – 15, from schools across Bolsover, Mansfield and Ashfield took part in the event, pitching their innovative products to a panel of judges made up of local councillors, school governors and business advisers.
The Local Enterprise Organisation’s (LEO) Enterprise Academy, managed by no limits and supported by the Unleashing Enterprise Programme which is funded through East Midlands Development Agency (emda), organised the event, which was the culmination of a six-month programme of inspiration and enterprise in local schools.
LEO’s Programme Director, John Hudson said: “Developing young people’s enterprise capabilities is vital if we’re going to create more enterprising communities which are able to adapt and make the most of opportunities whatever the economic climate.
“The Enterprise Academy is making a real contribution to raising the profile of enterprise with young people and embedding enterprise activities and programmes in schools across the LEO Area, and I am delighted to see so many people here today. The calibre of ideas and business acumen is great and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some of the prototypes in the shops soon,” added John.
Chris Shaw, Regional Manager of Unleashing Enterprise, said: “The Enterprise Academy programme is doing a fantastic job in encouraging young people to be entrepreneurial and by developing their core business skills in entrepreneurship, sales and marketing, time and people management, and general working practices.”
“This finale highlights that young people across the region have the ambition and aspiration to become the next Alan Sugar, and with our help and guidance they can realise their dreams,” said Chris.
This event is only one of a whole host being planned for young people over the coming weeks.
Andrew Morgan, emda’s Skills and Communities Director, explained: “We’re busy preparing for Global Entrepreneurship Week which will take place from 16 – 22 November across the region. The 2009 campaign aims to help unleash and develop the enterprising talents of aspiring young entrepreneurs in the East Midlands.”
“In the current economic climate, it’s more important than ever that individuals, groups and organisations embrace the opportunities offered by enterprise in order to beat the recession. We look forward to working with our partners to make Global Entrepreneurship Week a success.”
For more information on Global Entrepreneurship Week please contact: Chris Shaw, Regional Manager, Unleashing Enterprise, tel: 0116 2795115; e-mail: chris@unleashing-enterprise.co.uk or visit www.unleashing-enterprise.co.uk
