Recently, Year One students studying A-level Business, T-level Accounting, Finance and Business Management and Administration had their entrepreneurial skills put to the test in a Dragons Den-inspired project.
The project began in May, and students were put into groups and tasked with creating their own business idea, and to use the digital sources available to them to develop them further. After weeks of thinking of business names, roles, branding and budgets, the students presented their ideas to their teachers and classmates. One group from each class was chosen to go through to the grand final held In the College Sundial Theatre.
Following the class presentations, the five groups of finalists spent a week preparing to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of Dragons. The Dragons were made up of College Vice Principal Matt Couzens, Business Lecturer Mike Draper, industry expert Tamsin Jones, and former Cirencester College Business student Nick Passmore, who now works as a Global Programme Test Manager.
After each group had pitched their idea, the judges spent time deliberating to decide the winner. Eventually, ‘Boober’, a team made up of Taaya, Caitlin, Erin and Seren were declared victorious. Their striking presentation of their uber-inspired app aimed at women to provide safe travel resonated with the judges and they were thoroughly impressed with their confidence when answering their questions.
Kate Willett, Head of Business, said “The ideas just get more sophisticated and innovative every year, including more sustainable products and digital elements being included in their service as the world of business evolves year by year. It was fantastic to see the students working in small groups, using the knowledge taught from their courses so far to compile a comprehensive business plan and a presentation to pitch their idea to the class.
For some this was the first time they would have stood up and presented in front of the class, and then as finalists in front of the Dragons! They all did so well, and we are really proud of them.”
For more information on this story please contact chloe.suter@cirencester.ac.uk
