Students awarded £1000 in Enterprise Competition Final

Students at King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes put their creativity and business skills to the test by taking part in an Enterprise Competition, which initially launched in September 2023. Richard Leighton, Entrepreneur in Residence for the Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship, secured funding to develop Enterprise Education at King’s Hawthornes, and the competition was part of this initiative. Richard was responsible for scrutinising the student pitches and narrowing the applicants down to six finalists.

The final of this exciting and challenging business competition took place in February at the University of Liverpool’s Fröhlich Café Bar, situated in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre. Organised by Richard, the event was the university’s Entrepreneur Monthly Meet-Up as well as the competition final.

The six talented finalists, ranging from Years 7 to 11, pitched their business ideas with flair and confidence to the panel of judges, which consisted of Gillian Torres, communications professional, writer and entrepreneur, and the Directors of Homesure Property - Mark Loughnane and Nick Stott. The event was also attended by the students’ families, as well as students from the University of Liverpool.

Business plans pitched and points counted, the results were announced to the packed venue; each of the six finalists received a set amount of funding (from a total of £1000) to develop their business start-up idea. An online beauty venture and a mobile ice lolly cart were awarded the highest funding, being allocated £250 and £200 respectively.

The entrepreneurship event continued with presentations from judges Mark and Nick, who described their journey from buying their first rental property as students, to going into business together and building Liverpool’s largest independent residential letting agency. A networking opportunity then ensued, with students having the opportunity to question the expert judges whilst enjoying a celebratory slice of pizza.

Yasmin Hagan, Careers Leader at King’s Hawthornes, stated:
“The Entrepreneur Competition reinforced a range of skills: creativity, problem solving, leadership, communication and boosted confidence and character. Students had the opportunity to present their business ideas to successful entrepreneurs, engage with CEOs and Directors, and compete for £1000 of funding for their outstanding efforts. This was groundbreaking stuff!”