The Year 12 IBCP Business students were invited by Westminster Kingsway College to participate in a 3-day boot camp for young entrepreneurs. They explored topics such as: Developing and Refining Business Ideas, Mission and Funding, and Marketing and Pitching. The students learnt effective ways to fully plan a business model, which students could then apply in the future when considering their own business ideas.

During the event, the students had the opportunity to meet the director of TryLife Ltd, Paul Irwin. His philanthropic work comprises working with young teenagers in deprived communities to support them in pursuing a bright, successful future. This led to Paul winning the ‘People’s Choice Award’ in 2017 - certainly an inspiration for everyone in attendance!

During the final two days of the workshop with Unloc, the Year 12 business students had the opportunity to hear from speakers such as Hector Smethurst (Founder of Appt Health), industry experts and John Williams (Marketing Director & CMO) of Verizon Business Group. The students also received an inspiring speech from The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Andrew Smith! 

Students had the opportunity to refine their business missions and think about their ‘why’ for starting a business. Students who interacted and asked valuable questions included Malachy Gunn, who has an interest in starting a property business aimed at young first time buyers, and Nur Alfawaz, who would like to start a hair-care business. Students practised their 30-second elevator pitches on unusual products which had been invented and had to persuade the organisers why the product was worth buying and investing in. WA now has a strong partnership with the Unloc initiative and we are certainly looking forward to building a great programme of events with the organisation.

Mr Khan and Ms Jennings, Teachers of Business