Cheshire College Learners Leap Into Dragons’ Den

Business learners at Cheshire’s largest Further Education College successfully stepped into the Dragons’ Den as part of the Young Enterprise Company’s initiative.

Receiving special commendations from Cheshire & Warrington’s Young Enterprise Dragons, the team of learners from Cheshire College impressed with their business ideas and acumen.

The budding entrepreneurs at the College’s Chester campus pitched their initial business concepts to the Dragons, comprising of local business leaders, and received exceptional feedback for their insight, brand identity and overall delivery of presentations.

With climate change and sustainability at the top of many businesses’ agendas, four of the Young Enterprise learners’ came together to create the company ‘Samuel Campbell’ which centres around environmentally sustainable fashion. From the clothing items made with organic cotton to the packaging, Samuel Campbell has reduced its carbon footprint by 75%.

Jo Williams, Business Lecturer at Cheshire College, commented: “It was fantastic to receive such positive feedback and special commendations from the Dragons about our learners’ business ideas. Within the two teams, all learners have worked extremely hard and I am delighted their dedication and commitment to the project has been recognised in this way.

“With the products and services yet to launch fully, the feedback provided in the Den has laid a great foundation for our learners to begin thinking about the next stages of producing a successful delivery ready for competition.”

In partnership with national charity Young Enterprise, who support 400,000 learners each year to help foster their entrepreneurial spirit and provide useful employment skills, Cheshire College regularly enters their UK-wide competitions with huge success having won ‘Best Presentation’ last year as well as being awarded runner up in the ‘Company of the Year’ category.  

Level 3 Business learner and Cheshire College’s 2020-21 Student President, Thomas Roden, who pitched his team’s business idea, said: “In a world where climate change is endangering the place we live in, I’m thrilled that I’m contributing to the changes we need to make in the fashion industry to make our planet a better place. At Samuel Campbell we always stay true to who we are as a company and consider the environment in every decision we make. I’m genuinely proud of the work we are doing.”

Offering opportunities for individuals with drive and determination to succeed within the vibrant, fast-paced world of business, Cheshire College provides learners with the skills and knowledge to understand the various functional areas of business, as well as the roles finance and marketing have to play.

Putting these skills into practice during lockdown at the start of the year when teaching went remote, many of the College’s Business and Fashion Communication learners launched online companies which have continued to grow in success - from running online events and sharing tutorials to creating jewellery brands.

To learn more about Business at Cheshire College visit ccsw.ac.uk. There has never been a better time to 'Get In, Stand Out’. 

Pictured - Young Enterprise learners at Cheshire College's Chester Campus.