Helping our young entrepreneurs to see a world of opportunities

Published Thursday, 30th November 2017

YOUNG people from Hartlepool proved they had plenty of talent to shine in business during a special event to foster global entrepreneurship.

A total of 36 Year 9 students from the town’s Dyke House Sports and Technology College, English Martyrs School and St Hild’s School took part in the day-long programme at the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Regeneration Team, the overall aim was to raise awareness of the opportunities for self-employment which are open to young people.

The day’s activities were delivered by Hartlepool firms BloominArt and Pixel Boy plus Baldwins Accountants and banking group Santander UK.Guest speaker was Bob Makin of app and game studio SockMonkey.

The sessions included workshops in finance, marketing and creating business ideas.

The young people then worked in a number of school teams to develop ideas for a social enterprise project which they presented to ‘Dragon’s Den’ panels of local business representatives and advisers.

Among the ideas the teams came up with during the day was a multi-function mobile phone face cover and a dog dance training academy to instil assertiveness and confidence into both animal and owner.

The winners of the Dragon’s Den panels were one of the teams from Dyke House and one of the teams from English Martyrs, who each received a trophy.

St Hild’s student Jessica Prasad (front, left) and fellow team members hard at work on their project

St Hild’s student Jessica Prasad (front, left) and fellow team members hard at work on their project

St Hild’s student Jessica Prasad, who is 13, said: “I really enjoyed it and it gave me a much better understanding of the world of business.

“It has definitely also given me more confidence to explore new ideas and express them, knowing also that the smallest of good ideas can grow into a really big one.”

Lead mentor for the day was Marc de Launay, Co-owner of North-East animation studios Arcus Studios.

He said: “Through events like this, young people gain inspiration and an idea of self-worth. You ignite a spark within them and they realise they are not restricted by who they are or where they are – the only thing that restricts them is the scope of their own dreams and vision.”

The children were also joined on the day by the Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Paul Beck and Councillor Kevin Cranney, Chair of the Council’s Regeneration Services Committee.

The young people and the course leaders pictured with the Mayor Councillor Paul Beck (centre) at the end of the event

The young people and the course leaders pictured with the Mayor Councillor Paul Beck (centre) at the end of the event

Councillor Beck said: “I was very impressed by the great ideas the students came up with. These young people are the future entrepreneurs of our town, and this opportunity to explore their ideas and build their confidence makes all of them a winner.”

Councillor Cranney added: “The young people were full of enthusiasm, came up with some excellent proposals and had a lot of fun into the bargain. They are an inspiration to us all and I have no doubt we’ll see some of them starting Hartlepool’s businesses of the future.”

For more information about the support and advice available to young people from the Council’s Economic Regeneration Team, contact Caron Auckland on (01429) 857079.