Students from schools and colleges across Staffordshire have put their entrepreneurial skills to the test in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition.
The contest is part of Staffordshire County Council’s Ignite programme, which helps young people develop the skills needed to set up their own business or gain a job in an increasingly competitive market.
Delivered by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce over the last year, the programme offers students a combination of online learning and workshops covering areas such as business planning, marketing, and managing finances.
The programme’s first ever Ignite Pitch Challenge saw five teams of students pitch a business plan to a panel of five judges who have worked across the business and enterprise sector.
Crowned overall champions was the ‘Sweet Retreat’ team, made up of George Whale, Izzy Wallbank, Kailen Goalby, Jayden Choudhury, Seth Newey and Cobie Ellison from South Staffordshire College. Their winning pitch was for a college-based confectionary business.
Proud winner, Izzy, said:
“We really enjoyed the hands-on experience where we’ve all learnt skills we didn’t even know existed, stuff that we will be able to apply to jobs in the workforce and whatever we end up doing in the future. I think it’s perfect to add to a portfolio and CV.”
Highly commended was Team ‘AfterGlow’ made up of Kelsey Walker, Abigail Knowles and Olivia-Rose Lowe, from the NSCG Stafford Campus. Their business pitch was for a bespoke festival fashion business.
Kelsey said:
“It’s been a lovely experience, I really enjoyed my time here and I’d love to do it again!
“I think it’s a really good opportunity to find yourself and step outside your comfort zone a little bit.”
The judging panel brought together expertise from across business, education and public services.
It included Stefan Northfield, a former Royal Marine and Strategic Partnerships Lead at Black Onyx Academy; Kate Hardy, who runs her own saddlery business; Duncan Simcox, Director of DS Business Consultancy Services; Vicky Perry, Head of Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service; and Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader of Staffordshire County Council.
Councillor Hayley Coles said:
“I was blown away by the calibre of the entries and the creativity, ambition and enthusiasm shown by all the students who took part.
“It’s fantastic to see so much entrepreneurial talent among Staffordshire’s young people. The Ignite programme gives them the opportunity to develop valuable business skills, but it’s also about building their confidence, helping them find their voice and giving them the belief to turn their ideas into reality.
“We’re excited to have hosted our first Ignite Pitch Challenge and look forward to seeing what these young people go on to achieve.”
As well as receiving gift vouchers, the winning students will be supported by the county council to identify individual work experience opportunities aligned with their career ambitions. All participants received certificates in recognition of their efforts.
Over the last six years, the Ignite programme has helped more than 36,000 young people across Staffordshire build their confidence and develop entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to consider starting a business as one of their future career options.
Training provider PeoplePlus will deliver the Ignite programme over the next two years, continuing to support students across the county.
