People's Choice Apprentice inspires young entrepreneurs

Adam Corbally, runner up in last year’s battle for ‘The Apprentice’ crown and winner of The Radio Times People’s Choice, hosted a workshop about starting up and managing a business to a group of young entrepreneurs from across Shropshire.

The event, entitled “Enterprise Rocks” and created by ‘Young Britain’, was held at the Enterprise Hub, Hadley Park, Telford on Saturday 20 July 2013.

‘Young Britain’ is a campaign based in Telford to support young people into entrepreneurship. Around 30 start-up businesses owned by young entrepreneurs from across Shropshire and the West Midlands gathered at the event to network and talk to visitors about their businesses, as well as selling products and demonstrating the quality of their services. 

The day’s proceedings were officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Telford, Councillor Malcolm Smith, at 11am. The event was supported and assisted by the University of Wolverhampton’s Innovation 1^st project, which is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Paul Burrow, Project Manager for the Innovation 1st project, said: “It was a real pleasure to help Young Britain with this fantastic event. 

“Innovation 1st is all about assisting organisations with technology and it was great to see the enthusiasm shown by the new business owners when we discussed how technology might be able to help their companies”.

Music @ Young Britain was a feature of the day with upcoming young musicians entertaining visitors and honing their own entrepreneurial skills.

The live music concert was organised and managed by Dave Rea, Shropshire based entertainment industry professional who said: “This region is home to phenomenal young musical talent and I am working with Young Britain to support the musicians with business backing and routes to market.”

The event was created and managed by Fay Easton, co-founder of ‘Young Britain’. Speaking about the day, she said: “Enterprise Rocks was a great showcase for these talented and enthusiastic entrepreneurs.

“The weather stayed fine and by far the biggest gain of the day was the connections made between the young entrepreneurs.

“We also had much interest from established entrepreneurs, local Councils and members of the public – as well as Adam Corbally, The People’s Choice Apprentice.

“Adam was particularly impressed with the energy and enthusiasm shown by the young entrepreneurs and he commented on the passion they all displayed which is one of the vital keys to business success.”

For more information on the University of Wolverhampton’s Innovation 1^st project e-mail IF@wlv.ac.uk

ENDS

For more information please contact Penny Madden from Innovation 1^st on 01902 321574

Date Issued: Wednesday 31 July 2013