Apex Action Judge Students Business Ideas In ‘Dragons’ Lair’ Competition

As a swan song for BTEC business students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) they were challenged with pitching their business ideas to a number of local business people, all hoping for them to ‘invest’ in their business.

Held at NULC’s Knutton Lane Campus on the 16th & 17th May, the budding entrepreneurs had three minutes to pitch their ideas to five business professionals.  The competition was compered by representatives from Impact Management Training and Intercog. The judges (from Apex Connected, Argos, B Hygienic, Dove Child Estate Agents, Michelin, Hanley Economic Building Society, OCJ Marketing, Purple Cow Training, Siemens and Sylvester Fun Gym) gave their advice and expertise to the hopeful students.

Daniel Turner, Lecturer in Business at NULC, said:

“The students who participated excelled, showing exceptional creativity and business acumen. We’re all very proud of the students and I’m sure they’ll be successful in which ever field of business they end up focusing on.”

The winning level 3 pitch was ‘Yen Candles’, where Level 3 BTEC Business student David Smith proposed opening a candle business specialising in artisan organic candles. The winning Level 2 BTEC student was Mark Japson who pitched ‘A Pac’, a unique delivery and courier service.

This competition is an assessed part of the Vocational Business course and gives the students a taste of what it takes to set up your own business and become an entrepreneur.”

 Debbie Snelson, Commercial Manager at Apex commented:

It was an intense few days, the atmosphere in the exhibition hall was absolutely buzzing!  The students were outstanding, especially those who presented in the boardroom to over 10 dragons, confidently holding their own when a multitude of challenging questions were fired at them.  A great experience for both the students & judges!

“Apex Action” is Apex’s volunteering & funding initiative for school & community projects.  They are always up for a challenge & doing something a bit different!  If you think they can support your project contact Debbie on debbie.snelson@apexconnected.com or call 01948 301066 to discuss further.