I’m in... Dragons’ Den in Leeds

Students from Abbey Grange Academy in Leeds pitched their fantastic business ideas to employee volunteers in a Dragons' Den style event, organised by Business in the Community's (BITC) Yorkshire and Humber team.

Students studying ‘AS’ Applied Business Studies were given the opportunity to pitch their ideas to volunteers from Squire Sanders Hammonds, TD Direct Investing and DAC Beachcroft.  

Corinna Richardson, a pupil at Abbey Grange said: “It was a good experience and allowed me to gain confidence with my presentation skills and it makes you feel proud and confident.”

As with all BITC's employee volunteering events in the region, evaluation is carried out on the impact with all parties involved.  100% of the pupils thought that the experience would help with future business presentations and they would recommend Dragons’ Den to a friend.  

Ryan Adams from DAC Beachcroft said: “Thank you for letting us participate in the Dragons' Den, it was absolutely excellent, really good fun and I hope the students got a lot out of it.”

Danielle Rigby, a Teacher at Abbey Grange said:"As ever the event was a great success! Despite their nerves the students said they enjoyed the experience immensely. It gave them a chance to interact with adults in a formal business situation which many thought had given them invaluable skills for later life. The improvement the Dragons suggested for their business ventures will go towards their final evaluation in their portfolio work which will boost their Applied A Level grade, plus many of them have included the experience in their UCAS personal statements."