Somerset schools survive Dragons’ Den
Last week, teams from four local schools pitched their business ideas to Somerset company directors and owners to try and win the £100 investment up for grabs.
Young Enterprise Somerset gives young people the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in the world of work. Building on last year’s success, Young Enterprise Somerset is once again running its
Company Programme to help young people get a taste of the world of work and the excitement of running a business. Four local schools have set up companies and are competing to win the Somerset title and the opportunity to represent the county in the regional finals.
The competition got serious when the four schools entered the Dragons’ Den at the offices of Somerset Business of the Year winner Evosite. Three Dragons, in the shape of Evosite’s MD, James Shakespeare, Mandy Bridge, Operations Director at network provider Eloquent, and Richard Curtis, entrepreneur, heard pitches from each school and gave valuable feedback on their business plans before deciding on the winner of the £100 investment.
In a close but unanimous decision, The Castle School were awarded the £100. Representing the dragons, James Shakespeare commented:
‘The business concept was strong and the values that their brand represented were clear and well aligned between them all. In our view their strongest asset was how united they were as a team.’
The four school companies are:
- The Castle School, Taunton – ‘Rushlight’ will be producing their own sustainable soy wax candles.
- King Alfred School, Highbridge – ‘Jaraholics’ are selling gifting jars filled with toys, cake ingredients
- Wells Cathedral School – Overexposure – Photo booth experience with accessories enabling a gift feel.
- Taunton School – ‘Go-Sip’ is a herbal tea bag company that uses herbs which promote relaxation and calmness. Their aim is to support young people in managing their mental health by sharing one of their relaxing teas and a chat with friends.
The companies will be selling their products and services at the following locations in 2019:
- January - Weston-Super-Mare EAT Festival
- 10th February – Orchard Centre, Taunton
- 10th March – Clarkes Village, Street
Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading enterprise and financial education charity reaching over 250,000 young people every year.
For more information, please contact:
Tracy Prosser, Young Enterprise Area Manager
Tracey.prosser@y-e.org.uk
07384215347
Released On 11th Dec 2018