Student Entrepeneurs Venture into the Dragon's Den

Sixth form students in Leeds have been showing innovative business ideas, by taking part in a Dragon's Den style workshop.

It was great to meet the talented students and I think I can speak for all the Dragons by saying how impressed we were by their confidence and well supported business plans. This is an excellent way to use skills constructively in giving something back to the community and at the same time encouraging the next generation of budding entrepreneurs. I would happily recommend this to anyone thinking of getting involved.

’A’ level Applied Business Studies students from Abbey Grange High School in West Park put their entrepreneurial skills to the test by presenting their business ideas and investment pitch to a panel of business volunteers from BDO Stoy Hayward, HSBC, HBOS and Premier Farnell including accountants and financial advisers.   

A variety of business ideas were presented ranging from a boxing gym, snowboarding and ski equipment shop to an Indian beauty shop and computer/IT mentoring service. The Dragon’s gave constructive feedback to the students advising them how to develop their new venture further, by probing the students about their financial forecasting and customer base. The students were using the Dragon’s feedback for their final year assignment. 

Aidan Crosthwaite, Abbey Grange student said, ‘I found the day enjoyable and felt that I learnt some valuable key skills that I could look to use in the future such as organisation skills as well as confidence to speak in front of others.’