Nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs

Year 9 and 10 pupils from High Tunstall College of Science, Dyke House Sports and Technology College, English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College and St Hild’s Church of England School gathered at Hartlepool Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) in Brierton Lane to meet entrepreneurs and take part in workshops as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

One of the keynote speakers at the event organised by Hartlepool Borough Council was Sam Lee, Managing Director of Hartlepool-based PR agency Publicity Seekers, whilst film and TV writer, director and producer Marc de Launay worked with students to develop a business idea which they then presented to a Dragons Den-style panel.

High Tunstall College of Science won the Dragons Den challenge and were presented with their prize by Councillor Rob Cook, Deputy Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool. The prizes were sponsored by Beverley Goodall of Abacus Bean.

Other organisations that supported the event included Santander, Bloominart and Pixelboy

Councillor Kevin Cranney with some of the students who attended the event.

Councillor Kevin Cranney, Deputy Leader of Hartlepool Council and Chair of the Regeneration Services Committee, opened the event and welcomed the students.

He said: “Events like this are all about inspiring our young people and encouraging them to aim high and challenge themselves.

“Our young people are this town’s future and it is important that we encourage a spirit of enterprise that could ultimately lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs for local people.

“I would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to support this event and also the students for getting involved in activities throughout the day with such enthusiasm.”