Budding Bransons take first steps on the business ladder

Top businessman Ian Hodgkinson took time out from a hectic schedule this week to give young people in Derby valuable tips on how to succeed in the world of work.

Ian, Derbyshire Chamber’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, led a challenging and practical initiative at Derby Moor Community Sports College designed to give year-nine students an introduction to the skills needed to become another Branson.

‘Ambassadors’ from other local companies also worked alongside the students.

Over a two-day period, 240 students at the college operated in small teams to consider how to launch a company, identify marketing considerations and determine the skills needed to build an effective business team.

They also investigated the issues involved in designing, costing and constructing a lighthouse and produced a prototype design for a CD sleeve or a brand of luxury chocolates. Prizes were awarded for the most successful teams.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and quite an eye-opener,” said Ian, managing director of Hodgkinson Builders (Midlands) Ltd. “The youngsters were particularly keen to know if I was a billionaire and if I had a Ferrari. I told them I had two... but perhaps forgot to mention they were models which I keep on the window ledge in my office.”

Mrs Donna Torrance, who administers careers education, work-experience and work-related programmes at the college, commented: “Enterprise Days are extremely valuable. They deliver work-related learning in a fun and refreshing way and benefit students of all abilities”.