Channel Islands students to enter the Dragon's Den

Tuesday 17 January 2017

Around 250 secondary school children will be feeling the heat when they face the Dragons in an entrepreneurial pan-Island showdown.

The Channel Islands Student Business Challenge will see 70 teams of students from seven schools in Jersey and Guernsey put their burgeoning business skills to the test, with each awarded £100 to grow into a successful – and profitable – company.

Launched last Thursday, the scheme has attracted teams from Grainville, Haute Vallée, Jersey College for Girls and Victoria College in Jersey, and Guernsey Grammar, La Mare de Carteret and St Sampson’s High School in Guernsey.

Pictured: Members from the Victoria College team study their Business Challenge brochure. (Photo: Student Business Challenge)

They’ll be tasked with selling sweets, cakes, key rings, and handmade goodies in order to build on their initial investment before presenting it in a Dragon’s Den-style business pitch.

With support from Barclays, EY, Ogier and Sure, the teams won’t be alone in the venture, however, with each company providing an expert mentor to oversee their progress before the awards ceremony in May.

John McGuinness, Headteacher of Grainville School, said that the experience would be, “…an excellent introduction to the business world.”

“We are delighted to be part of the Challenge again and are looking forward to seeing our students be inspired, motivated and challenged as they develop key employability skills and bring their business ideas to life,” he commented.

Pictured: Haute Vallée girls discuss their plans for the entrepreneurial challenge ahead. (Photo: Student Business Challenge)

Executive Director of EY, Kirsty Mackay, said that the company were looking forward to 2017 challenge – the largest yet.

“It is great to have Grammar and La Mare join the Challenge in Guernsey. With seven schools and seventy teams this is our biggest ever Challenge,” she said.

She added: “I am looking forward to seeing the successes and generosity of this year’s teams. Over the last four years, local charities have benefited to the tune of around £18,000 as the students have donated a share of their profits to charities including Autism Guernsey, JSPCA, Durrell and Les Bourgs Hospice.”

Vicky Godley, Headteacher of La Mare de Carteret, commented: “As a Headteacher, having our students involved for the first time is really exciting. These are the opportunities and challenges which young people can thrive on. I am confident that our students will play their full part in what is already a proven success story for local schools and businesses working in partnership.”