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#Reachmygoals - North Tyneside Sixth formers given opportunity to meet with region’s leading entrepreneurs

#Reachmygoals - North Tyneside Sixth formers given opportunity to meet with region’s leading entrepreneurs

With UK unemployment figures still in the millions and university fees verging on the unaffordable, today’s school leavers face daunting career and educational choices when they receive their A-level results. On Friday 21st March, The Business Factory, Newcastle United Foundation, FIRST Face-to-Face and North Tyneside Education Business Partnership came together to give North Tyneside sixth formers a priceless opportunity to access some of the region’s leading entrepreneurs and learn more about the realities of starting and a growing a business.

Sixth formers from Burnside College, Monkseaton High and Longbenton College, asked our guest speakers and business directors very pertinent questions, challenging them on every aspect of working life, from business conception to realisation and to all-important profit. The event was set up as a creative day for students to broaden their horizons in what can constitute a career path and taught them how to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.

As well as Q&A sessions, business story-telling and practical presentations, students took part in workshops on networking skills, idea development and effective collaboration, where the group of business owners were on hand to offer advice and suggestions. Help and advice was also provided by mentors from the professional service and university communities.

Sam McLoughlin, Project Manager, Newcastle United Foundation said: “It’s great for young people to have exposure to local entrepreneurs. It’s important that they realise business start-up is another option for them in the years ahead.”

Charlotte Windebank, co-founder of FIRST Face to Face said: “To be surrounded by the business community, university students and schools all with the same goal added to an electric atmosphere worthy of a match day. We hope next year to build on the event and extend the network even further for our young entrepreneurs.”

Guest Speakers –

Barry Moat - Chairman & co-owner of the Lugano Property Group.

Lucy Batley - Managing Director, Jump.

Dan Vaughan - Managing Director, Ideology Media.

Louise Cook Edwards - Founder & Director, IWriteYourStory.com.

Rob Mathieson - Managing Director, AYO Digital.

Nigel Mills – Chairman of the Lakes Distillery and founder of the Mills Group

Aaron Philips - Founder & Director, Xpress Urself.

Kate Dawson - Founder & Director, The All-In-One Company.

More about First Face-to-Face:

FIRST Face to Face bridges the gap between start-ups and success, advice and investment, for young entrepreneurs by young entrepreneurs. Over the past two years we have engaged an average of 80 early stage companies, enterprising students, mature businesses and professional service providers at each event. That’s over 1000 people face to face, plus their networks and our Twitter and social media outlets. To get in touch please email c.windebank@bridgeclubnorth.com.

More about Newcastle United Foundation:

Newcastle United Foundation is an independent and registered charity supported by Newcastle United Football Club. The Foundation was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in November 2007 and as a Charity in July 2008.

Mission

To use the local passion for football to encourage learning and promote healthy lifestyles that will make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged children, young people and families in our region.

Strategic aims

To promote active and healthy lifestyles, particularly in disadvantaged communities

To inspire people to learn and reach their potential

To help build safe, strong, active communities

We do this by using the Newcastle United brand to engage, inspire and motivate.

More about The Business Factory:

The Business Factory provides support, help and guidance to get businesses up and running in North Tyneside. They offer experienced and professional advisers and consultants who have the knowledge to help start a new business.

The Business Factory offer free advice to anyone in North Tyneside, or anyone planning to start a business in North Tyneside with the aim of generating new business ideas and stimulating the growth of enterprise.

The Business Factory is funded by European Regional Development funding and managed by North Tyneside Council

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlotte Windebank .