Member Article

Nunthorpe On Peter Jones' Tycoon in Schools Shortlist

Nunthorpe Academy has made it to the finals of the Tycoon in Schools enterprise competition organised by Dragons’ Den star and serial entrepreneur Peter Jones.

A four strong team of students at Nunthorpe has been selected to receive funding to set up and run a business, which they have called Kulprit Clothing.

The business, made up of Year 11 students, Sam Baker, Connor Callaghan, Jack Norman and Zak Perera, impressed Peter Jones with their idea of a new clothing brand, making t-shirt designs to order.

Chris O’Neil, Director of Business Studies at Nunthorpe Academy, said: “We encourage our students to embrace opportunities that will help enhance their life skills.

“The Tycoon in Schools competition is a fantastic opportunity for our students as it will stand them in good stead whether they decide to pursue an academic route or take their first step on the career ladder after leaving Nunthorpe.”

Alison Blacklock, Director of Special Initiatives at Nunthorpe Academy, said:

“The knowledge learnt during the competition process will benefit the students when the time comes for them to look for a job.

“Universities also look for potential candidates with strong personal statements demonstrating they have become involved in the wider community and also immersed themselves in activities to help boost their confidence and personal skills.”

Nunthorpe held its own internal competition involving three teams with Kulprit chosen as the ones to enter the competition.

Trading has kicked off in more than 50 schools across the country as teams compete in Peter Jones’ nationwide enterprise challenge to inspire Britain’s young people to start their own business.

The teams that have been selected will compete against each other to make as much profit from their original seed capital as possible during a four week period, with the most profitable team being crowned the Ultimate Tycoon in Schools.

Peter Jones CBE said: “This is the first year that we have run Tycoon in Schools and I have been hugely impressed by the quality of business plans submitted. Students from across the UK have shown great enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit and this competition will showcase their fantastic abilities.”

He added: “I’m personally very excited because as a country we need to do more to encourage enterprise and it is my view that we should be helping develop entrepreneurial talent from the earliest opportunity in schools. I will follow the progress of the competing teams closely over the next few weeks and look forward to seeing their achievements.”

At the end of November students will repay their original loan and remaining profits can be reinvested into their business, or donated to the school or to local charitable causes.

In December, the winning Tycoon Businesses will be announced, which will be followed by an awards ceremony in January 2013 to celebrate the achievements of the top performing teams.

Schools can send a message on twitter to @Tycooninschools

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .