Beaverbrooks Enterprise Challenge 2021

Blackpool FC Community Trust are proud to have hosted the Beaverbrooks’ Enterprise Final at Bloomfield Road Stadium earlier this week.

Pupils from schools around Blackpool have been taking part in the ‘Enterprise Challenge’, set by the programme’s funders, to identify a gap in the market and develop a business plan to address this. The challenge included a Dragons Den style activity where pupils presented their ideas to a board of ‘Dragons’ from Blackpool based companies, including Beaverbrooks, Blackpool FC and the Community Trust.

Over the last 12 weeks, the Beaverbrooks’ Enterprise programme has been delivered to almost 200 Year 8 pupils in Blackpool, by our High School Hub Mentors. The programme has helped them develop skills in employability, entrepreneurship, teamwork and money management.

Blackpool FC Community Trust’s CEO, Ashley Hackett, said, “All the judges were amazed by the level of confidence displayed by all the groups, it has been great for the young people to have the opportunity to work together after a year of virtual lessons. The level of research and detail conducted by the pupils was fantastic to see. The Community Trust are looking forward to building a long-term partnership with Beaverbrooks, one that will help guide local young people along their path to great futures.”

The winners of the challenge, St George’s School, presented a Retro Café in the town centre with retro games and food. St George’s pupils shared what they enjoyed most about the programme, “I have enjoyed working as part of a team with people I have not spoken to much before and making some new friends. This is something we haven’t had the chance to do over the last year so, it was nice to be able to work with people again instead of on our own.”. Many of the students involved in the challenge said the opportunity had inspired them to start their own business in the future.

Mrs Milner, Careers Lead at St George’s School, said, “The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this year’s challenge. They have developed valuable enterprise skills in a fun environment. Thank you to Blackpool Community Trust and Beaverbrooks for providing the opportunity”.