Inspiring the Dragons of the future

Published by Rob1 for Community Gateway Association in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Young entrepreneurs from across Preston recently braved a 'Dragons Den' style panel for the chance to see their business ideas become a reality.

Pupils pitched their ideas in front of an expert panel of judges as part of Community Gateway Associations (CGA) Young Starship Enterprise challenge.

The aim of the challenge is to help young people develop their confidence, employability and entrepreneurial skills to prepare them for life after education.

Ten Teams from Moor Park Business and Enterprise College and Christ the King, Catholic Maths and Computing College took part at the event held at the University of Lancashire’s Westleigh conference centre.

 The panel was chaired by Rob Wakefield; CGA’s Director of Resources and also included 'Dragons'

• Maureen Bolan, Director at Conlon Construction
• Ben Norman Area Commander at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
• Simon Brindle Managing Director from Preston based Design Agency, Design Force
• Judith Worthington, Head of Human Resources at Sainsbury’s ( Deepdale)

The presentations included business ideas for a Vegan cookbook, Handmade greetings cards, an innovative all in one pen, Sock Puppets, Customised T-shirts, A popcorn and drink  dispenser for use at the cinema and Handmade Sweets.

 Summing up the day Rob Wakefield said; “The Dragons were overwhelmed by the commitment and desire that these young people had for the ideas that they presented to us.  It was a difficult decision to pick a winner as every team had a concept that could have been developed into a genuine business.”

 The winning team from Moor Park Business and Enterprise College were the “Sock Monkey” team who have already set up a business to produce and sell bespoke soft toys made from brightly coloured Bed Socks, which impressed the Dragons as being a simple idea with a good business plan and future business potential.

The Young Starship Enterprise Challenge is being run by the 'Airport Group', a partnership of 14 housing associations across the North West and Pennine regions, of which CGA is a member.

The grand final will take place at the group's annual 'Young Flyer' awards, on May 10, at Old Trafford football stadium.

www.communitygateway.co.uk

http://www.theairportgroup.co.uk/