Posted: 03/11/14
Young entrepreneurs shine in London
Students from West Nottinghamshire College joined business leaders in London last week to share their enterprising career ideas.
(l-r) Will Jordan, Anna Lodge, Rebecca Harrington, Paul Mellors and Andy Campbell
Students Anna Lodge, Rebecca Harrington, Paul Mellors and the college’s Students’ Union president Will Jordan and principal of Mansfield’s Vision Studio School, Andy Campbell, were invited to be guests at the E2Exchange’s Entrepreneur Leaders’ Breakfast, which was held at the House of Lords.
E2Exchange is a community of entrepreneurs, investors and business directors which provides more than 40 events a year where entrepreneurs can connect, learn and self-support. It was founded by Shalini Khemka and its honorary president is Sir Richard Branson.
Guests at the leaders’ breakfast on Wednesday (29 October) included Lord Bilimoria CBE, founder and chairman of Cobra Beer and Toni Mascolo OBE, co-founder of TONI&GUY. Attendees were able to share their experience and knowledge to help make a difference to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Will discussed his business idea to restore old furniture, after rescuing a table that his dad was going to throw away. He’s since discovered a passion for restoring and selling furniture and is interested in taking this forward as a business.
Rebecca and Anna, who are business partners at Harrington’s Decorators, spoke to guests about how they set up their company after studying painting and decorating at the college. They used the services of the college’s Vision Entrepreneur scheme to get tips on becoming self-employed.
Paul, who is a student on the BA (Hons) Sports Studies programme, brought his enterprising idea to the table about setting up a crossfit, high-intensity workout business with a friend.
Andy Campbell reported to the panel about the success of the Vision Studio School, which opened in September. The school offers a range of academic and vocational qualifications including GCSEs in English, maths and science. Students have work placements linked directly to employment opportunities in the local area.
Andy said: “It was a privilege to be invited to the E2Exchange and enable our students to speak confidently to some high-profile business leaders about their enterprising ideas. It was a great opportunity for students to learn from some of the country’s most successful figures.
“I was proud to report on the success of Vision Studio School and how our new intake of students are embracing their courses. We’re all looking forward to welcoming Lord Bilimoria when he officially opens the studio school later this month.”
