Future entrepreneurs battle it out in 'Dragon’s Den' style competition
Students from eight schools across Telford and Wrekin have battled it out today in the finals of a Dragon’s Den-style competition to come up with a commercial idea to bring something new to one of six borough high streets and to improve Wellington Market.
The Young High Street Challenge tasked each school to devise an idea for high streets in Wellington, Ironbridge, Oakengates, Dawley, Newport or Madeley. They were also challenged to come up with an idea that would improve the look and feel of Wellington Market.
Around 200 students competed in the challenge laid down by Telford & Wrekin Council in October 2017 as part of its Pride in Our Community High Street Fund initiative.
Like the hit television show, schools had to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges at the finals which were held at Telford International Centre today.
Ideas were varied, ranging from a retro shop selling all things retro and vintage in Wellington to a coffee kennel café offering a welcoming space for dogs and their owners in Newport. Ideas for Wellington Market included live music, events, local arts and crafts and street food.
After long deliberations, judges selected Wrekin College’s idea for opening up The Retro Shack in Wellington high street selling vinyl records, vintage cloths, comic books, posters, sweets and games. The students, who were praised for their well-researched business plan and confident pitch, secured £20,000 in high street funding to bring their idea to life.
The winning pitch for Wellington Market was a tough one, with judges struggling to decide between two ideas. In the end, they went for two winners; Burton Borough and Haberdasher’s Adams. Burton Borough’s pitch was for live music and themed events, including ghost hunts. Haberdasher’s Adams’ pitch was for youth markets selling locally made arts and crafts as well as art installations. Both schools also wanted to freshen up the look of the market. They have won £10,000 to turn their ideas into reality.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for finance, commercial services and economic development, said: “High streets bring our communities together – young and old. They’re where we meet friends, shop and enjoy ourselves.
The young people here today have been fantastic. Hearing their ideas and seeing their enthusiasm has been great. It’s clear that they’ve enjoyed the experience and gained some valuable skills. They’ve had the chance to do research, planning, design, marketing, preparing a strategy and presenting to a live audience – which is no small thing.
“I have to say, they’ve risen to the challenge brilliantly. It wasn’t an easy decision for the judges, but Wrekin College, Burton Borough and Haberdasher’s Adams are worthy winners. Congratulations to them and well done to everyone who has taken part.”
