SIXTH formers are aiming to prove they’ve got what it takes to succeed in business – with a little help from one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs.
The A-level Business students from Priestley College have been given £200 from a national initiative, backed by Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones, to create a business with the ultimate aim of making a profit.
Luke Linforth, a former Bridgewater High School pupil, said: “We had to come up with something that we felt there would be a demand for so we chose sweets.
“As well as a pick ‘n’ mix we are going to sell premium sweet jars that can be bought as gifts for Christmas.”
The students will be able to see how their business is performing compared to others from around the country as the competition progresses.
However, they have also decided to give 10% of their proceeds to the college charity PETT, which supports students who need financial help to continue their education.
“We know how much our costs are going to be and have an idea of the kind of profit we would like to make,” said team member Sami Wych, who is studying PE, IT and English alongside his Business A-Level.
Simply Sweet received their start-up loan from Tycoon in Schools, which is a national enterprise competition aiming to encourage the UK’s budding entrepreneurs.
It was launched in 2012 by Peter Jones CBE and supported by the Government.
Priestley Tutor Julie McDonald said: “It is a great initiative and one we were keen for our students to be involved with.
“They are gaining valuable business experience within college, which could make all the difference to them later in life.”
Following the trading phase, Mr Jones will pick the most impressive teams to attend a final ceremony, which has been held at Buckingham Palace since the competition launched in 2012.
“We are very excited about this year’s challenge. The quality of the business plans we’ve received is higher than ever before,” said Mr Jones.
“The character attributes that Tycoon in Schools promotes are essential to closing the skills gap and improving the productivity of the workforce. I believe that the earlier we get our young people involved in this kind of entrepreneurial activity the better.”
