EIA news

Uxbridge College students go from the Classroom to the Boardroom with TfL

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action have delivered their ‘classroom to boardroom’ programme to students at Uxbridge College. This programme is part of TfL skills strategy to engage more schools and colleges to develop key business skills and connecting the classroom with real business. Involved meeting a challenge set by Transport for London involving real problems faced by decision makers at

Transport for London’s Chief Engineer and his team set the challenge which involved students working in a team to come up with innovative ways in which the Variable Message Signs can update information for drivers. Variable Message Signs are a roadside sign which display traffic related information and was first installed on England’s motorways in the 1970’s.

The challenge set by TfL was one of the toughest challenges we have seen from a company, remarked CEO Derek Browne, CEO of Entrepreneurs in Action.

The students spent a number of days in teams working on developing a range of innovative solutions.

On the Friday, the students presented their ideas to audience of 30 plus executives from TfL and a range of partners.

We were glad to hear the praise from Uxbridge College in helping their students develop their talents. Loraine Collins, Executive Director for Enterprise and Development at Uxbridge College, told us that “The students have grown so much over the course of the week that even some of them have been unrecognisable form when we first introduced the programme to them.”

Feedback from students showed that every single one of them felt that the programme had helped both in their school learning and their future employment prospects. “Having a chance to do a presentation in front of influential people was a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Another student was pleased with what they had been able to gain that day. “The critical thinking skills. Now I’ll be able to use them in everyday life.”

Representatives of TfL were also impressed with the talent that the students showed. Pam Manning part of the TfL Information and Enforcement Team had this to say, “The presentations today about VMS in the future and innovative ways, I was blown away; amazing. Fantastic well done”

The programme has had a marked improvement in 3 key areas important in today’s marketplace. Presenting to others, accountability and working as part of a team.

We here at EiA wish the very best to the Uxbridge students and their future employment.

EiA tomorrow�s future female entrepreneurs at South Hampstead High School

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action were invited back again this year to deliver the ‘Entrepreneurs in You’ programme at South Hampstead High School a GDST independent school for Girls. The whole of year 11 were given the day off the normal curriculum to develop their entrepreneurial, enterprise and business skills.

EiA provided a range of engaging and entertaining activities for the students throughout the day with the build-up to the main event … ‘The Trading Game’ where the students got the chance to demonstrate what they had learnt on the day in a high energy game giving the students experience of what it takes to buy and sell products. An event highly enjoyed by many students.

“The trading game was so fun; I really enjoyed interacting with the buyers and creating my product.”

Maria Esan, a teacher at South Hampstead High School had this to say about the programme “Students were highly motivated, and clearly got a lot out of the day. There was a real buzz during the selling part of the day. On the whole the groups sold their products effectively and seemed to have thought well about all aspects of their products. They had also thought well about their target audience.”

When we asked the students how they had benefited from “Entrepreneurs in You” we were met by a multitude of answers. In particular many students commented on how they had developed their people skills such as teamwork and persuasion. One student commented that, “the atmosphere was really buzzy and it was very exciting and interesting to convince people to buy your product.” Another said that the best part of the event was “learning about how to pitch ideas and think about what a good entrepreneur is like.”

With so many boardrooms lacking female representation, inspiring bright girls to understand more about business may pay dividends in future years. By engaging school children in interesting and informative ways EiA helps develop talent and important skills in ways that traditional methods of teaching are unable to do, delivering real abilities and opportunities for tomorrow’s workforce.

Former Olympic Chair connects with education legacy from the 2012

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA ran a pilot of Apprentice Plus for the apprentices of City and Guilds. Apprentice Plus was designed and delivered by Entrepreneurs in Action for construction apprentices on the Olympic site.

City & Guilds and EiA have partnered run an apprenticeship plus programme. This 2 day programme put its participants on the fast track for developing their business skills before delivering a formal business presentation to senior City & Guilds board members including CEO Chris Jones. Sir John Armitt, former Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority and new Chair of City and Guilds was a member of the panel that received the presentations at the end of the second day of the programme.

This alternative approach to training challenges apprentices to develop their core business skills. Participants left the programme with a better understanding of exactly what they could achieve and a greater sense of empowerment to go out and put their new skills to the test.

City & Guild set a high bar for what they expected from the apprentices with numerous challenges set for them to meet and were equally impressed by the high standards shown by the apprentices.

Feedback from the apprentices praised this innovative programme. “The best parts of the programme were the three different challenges that we were asked to complete. I found this very useful as it made me think outside of the box as I had to think about how to present products/ideas in a way that was not only appealing to myself but also to many others.”

One apprentice when asked what they liked best about the programme commented “The best part of this programme was working alongside David; David somehow managed to bring you out of your comfort zone whilst making you feel respected and comfortable. It was a pleasure to work with such a great man.”

Sir Richard Branson sets an international challenge for Barbadian EiA students

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Sir Richard Branson, Founder and Chairman of the Virgin group personally set a business challenge for twenty eager students of the Barbados Community College and Entrepreneurs in Action through video link from Necker Island. The press launch was held at the Cave Hill School of Business.

His challenge; how can Virgin encourage more Barbadians to travel to the UK as opposed to the United States as a choice of vacation destination?

Nick Parker, Virgin Atlantic’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean, expressed his delight that the students would be working in the Virgin offices in creating solutions for the Virgin founder that would be presented to a board of Virgin Atlantic executives.

Phil Culigan of the British High Commission, also showed his enthusiasm at the challenge and the potential of a greater Barbadian presence in UK tourist destinations.

The programme held in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Barbados South and the British High Commission, had the Rotary President, Sonya Alleyne state ‘I believe this experience will benefit the students tremendously and transform them from job takers into job makers’.

Chief Executive and Founder of EiA, Derek Browne, said, ‘this year was the highest profile challenge ever to be issued in the nine year history of the programme', which had been held locally for three years.

‘Having the opportunity to work with one of the world’s most successful entrepreneur and most recognised and respected brand was brilliant, and I believe this programme will change the lives of all the young people involved'

http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2012/11/08/come-on-board/

http://www.caribbeantrakker.com/2012/11/sir-richard-branson-issued-challenge-to-barbadian-students/#.UK41JYcz2vs

Derek Browne is invited by Pembroke College, Oxford, to talk exams, schools, and young people.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

At the invitation of SKOPE (The Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational performance) , on 6^th of November, Derek Browne CEO of Entrepreneurs in Action gave a presentation on the question, ‘Are improving exams results helping to close the "destination" gap between state and independent educated children, post-secondary school? ’

The event was sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council, as part of their annual Festival of Social Science. It aimed to look at policy makers’ recent attempts to improve social mobility with particular focus on the roles of education, training and skills.

Derek expressed views on social mobility based on his experience as a practitioner working with independent and state schools and delivering enterprise based interactive programmes to motivate and inspire young people through business.

SKOPE is based jointly at Oxford University and the University of Cardiff.

EiA partner with Waitrose to deliver Apprentice Plus

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA) partnered with Waitrose to deliver their Apprentice Plus programme with a business challenge that empowered Waitrose apprentices to offer an excellent in-store customer experience, whilst developing much needed employability skills.

The Apprentice Plus programme from Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA) is designed to help young people to rapidly transition into the world of work, providing the employability skills and coaching that will benefit young recruits in the workplace.

Apprentice Plus goes outside traditional apprentice learning by developing a holistic approach to building confidence and skills over and above that normally taught in a traditional apprenticeship.

The use of EiA’s alternative coaching style to unlock the potential of each participant encourages apprentices to develop creativity and increase their problem solving skills.

“The programme successfully brought apprentices together, enabling them to build networks and create an apprentice community. It was clear by the end of the programme that their confidence had increased and they were taking on more ownership for presenting a 'positive frame' to achieve results.” says Rachel Williams, Education and Learning Initiatives Manager.

“The apprentices delivered coherent, well-constructed outcomes on the challenge which were impressive, particularly given the limited time available in developing the ideas.” says Kevin Garrett, Head of Community Projects.

“Apprentice Plus is a transformational programme designed to prepare apprentices to be work ready faster, take on real work tasks faster and make a contribution to the operation of the business faster” says Derek Browne, CEO at EiA.

Transport for London give Aylward and Nightingale Academies the green light

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

In June 2012, Entrepreneurs in Action conducted a week long programme ‘Classroom to Boardroom’ for 26 gifted year 11 students from Aylward and Nightingale Academies. The programme sponsored by Transport for London aimed to develop the entrepreneurial, enterprise and business skills of the students. TfL set a real business challenge. The challenge was to “set out three options on how to spend the annual budget of £11M to keep our traffic signals in a good state of repair, in the interests of safety and efficiency. TfL were looking for innovative solutions and all expenditure had to be accounted for in the business case.

Overall assessment of success

The ‘Classroom to Boardroom’ week went extremely well, with very strong feedback from all participants.

“Every student has benefited and had a wonderful experience! Keep doing what you’re doing.” Operational Lead, Nightingale School

“ A wonderful, inspirational, constructive and skill building experience.” Operational Lead Aylward School

Sevenoaks set the challenge to reduce teenage drinking by Kent Community Health NHS Trust

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

In July 2012, EiA ran the ‘Classroom to Boardroom’ Programme for 25 year 11 students from Sevenoaks School. The overall aim of the programme was to develop entrepreneurial, enterprise and business skills.

The challenge set by Kent Community Health NHS Trust, was for the students to develop an advertising campaign targeting their peers, which aimed to curb excessive drinking, and anti- social behaviour. They were to compare the issues at home (Sevenoaks) with Kent and provide key messages to lead the campaign.

Rebecca Brown, the Director of Service said ‘ our students are always surprising us with their confidence and talents. Watching them work together, design and realise a real brief has been fantastic to see! All the students stood out, showing just how well they worked as a team.’

Our survey shows, 91% of the student’s felt the week worked really well for them and rated highly the EiA staff contribution. They felt skills that were vastly improved included; presenting to others, sharing ideas and working well under pressure.

When we asked what we could do better to improve the programme, the students unanimously replied ‘nothing!’ One student replied ‘as much as I would love to give advice, I can’t imagine anything better!

Thank you Sevenoaks for having us and we look forward to working with you again.

Sevenoaks tackles Domestic Violence through Business

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The challenge set by Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence (CAADV) was to create a business case for addressing the needs of young people in the work place who endure or witness domestic abuse and violence.

More specifically, how do we engage employers of young people to understand domestic violence, its impacts and solutions.

Neil Tetley, the deputy head said of the programme ‘“It was superb, a very tough challenge, but the outcome was incredible. All students have benefited enormously.”

Melissa Morbeck, the Executive Director of Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence said, ‘I was impressed with the level of professionalism, the thoughtfulness, the ability to think outside the box and the actual capability to create a business solution that is up and running NOW! They were very professional and articulate. They presented a well thought out campaign that was better focused and more relevant than consultants we have hired have provided to CAADV. They stayed not only on brief but went beyond and created powerful tools that will save lives.”

Our surveys show 100% of students stated they were more confident than at the start of the week and 78% felt they were ‘a lot more confident about what they could achieve’.

Thank you Sevenoaks for having us and playing your part in the fight against domestic violence.

Fullbrook and Prior's Field Schools shout, 'YES'!

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

In April earlier this year, EiA delivered a social enterprise programme to 120 year 12 students in Prior's Field and Fullbrook Schools.

The students deemed the programme a success and the feedback was a resounding ‘yes’ on the question of whether the programme should be recommended to other schools.

A Prior's Field teacher said, ‘Brilliant day all round! The impact of the workshops was evident in both the trading game and the enthusiasm of the girls in the closing session’

When asked which business was impressive: ‘All of them! I think in particular the water aid team and correspondence to soldiers abroad'

Many students reported an increase in their understanding of social business and enterprise and improved confidence in working with a team. They also believed they now had a greater understanding of what it feels like to be a trader.

It was great to see the transformation in the students and how well they responded to the tasks set. As well as the development of their confidence, public speaking and ability to think creatively.

Thank you Prior's Field and Fullbrook Schools for having us!

Raising aspirations at the Rank Conference

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Yet another successful EiA session was held during the Gap Residential Conference in February 2012. Around 28 students from all over the country came together for the Gap Conference Programme in Leeds in an aim to develop leadership skills and raise aspirations.

One student, named Adele labelled this as an "awesome residential", saying "...I particularly enjoyed the session with EiA. I learned so much from it and I have a much clearer idea of what I want to aim towards in the future now and I'm excited to start taking steps towards making that happen."

Entrepreneurs in Action have worked with the Rank Foundation for the 2nd year running now. One of the key aims of the Foundation is to encourage and develop leadership in young people.

Social Enterprise hits the mark at Sevenoaks School

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The theme of Social Enterprise was top of the list during the 1 day Conference run by Entrepreneurs in Action for the Lower Sixth students. Delivering to over 150 delegates for the day, the programme encouraged them to look beyond the text book and to the keys to successful entrepreneurship and enterprise. Students looked at concepts of ethical and sustainable trading and investigated the realities of different types of businesses in the 21st Century.

During the day, the Conference hosted speakers such as Doug Richard, Founder of School for Start Ups, Isabel Kelly, International Director for salesforce.com Foundation and Philip Wall from signify Ltd.

Derek Browne speaks at the Talent in unexpected places - the bottom line of social mobility debate

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

We are in the midst of an increasingly vocal debate about social inclusion and social mobility. It is a debate that has deep roots, wrapped up in notions of fairness, equality and the suggestion that a residual class bias locks many young people out from careers in certain professions.

What is the source of the social mobility challenge, and what are the implications for the UK economy of failing to address it? Have we come to rely too much on university as an automatic platform for social mobility at the expense of other options that may be more effective for some students? And what are the bottom line business benefits of working harder to identify 'talent in unexpected places'?

On the 14th December, at an event organised by Herbert Smith LLP, Derek Browne, CEO of Entrepreneurs in Action alongside Baroness Helena Kennedy QC and other expert speakers will offer their thoughts on the barriers to social mobility, perceived and actual, that exist within our society and discuss what strategies business, government, charities and the education system should deploy to address this critical challenge.

Derek Browne delivers a motivational session to Street League participants

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne delivered a motivational and aspiration raising session to 20 Street League participants aged 17 -25 years old in Croydon.

All participants were inspired to hear Derek's journey from leaving school to becoming an investment banker, international athlete and entrepreneur.

Street League is one of the most exciting, dynamic and fastest growing charities in the UK, who specialize in changing the lives of disadvantaged young people through the power of football. They work with disadvantaged 16-25 year old NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or Training), Young Offenders and Substance Misusers and engage them in structured football and education programmes with a view to getting participants into work, mainstream education or training.

NRICH: applying mathematical thinking skills in business

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA teamed up with NRICH to develop a series of mathematical buisness challenges for year 12 students. Click here for more info NRICH AND EiA

Entrepreneurs in Action deliver an entrepreneurial programme at South Hampstead High School.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Earlier this week, Year 11 students from South Hampstead High school endured a one day innovative and engaging entrepreneurial programme delivered by Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA).

100 girls participated in the inspirational and interactive "Entrepreneur in You" event with high energy activities which combined experiential learning with fun. Throughout the day, students' enhanced their understanding of business and entrepreneurship and were able to put their creativity and team work skills to the test and set up their own businesses to get a real taste of what it feels like to trade. A successful day was had by all.

Derek Browne, CEO, Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA), commented, “Securing the best University places, work placements and long term career opportunities increasingly demand outstanding personal skills, an entrepreneurial skill and mindset, commitment and determination. The "Entrepreneur in You" programme provides opportunities to further develop these skills. We, at Entrepreneurs in Action, are proud to support the students of South Hampstead High School to develop the skills required for the 21^st Century and raise their aspirations for the future.”

Olympic Delivery Authority's apprenticeship work

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action help to raise the aspirations of apprentices beyond London 2012.

This week has seen the launch of the London 2012 learning legacy site.

As part of the London 2012 Apprentice Plus programme, Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA) developed and delivered a series of programmes for seven groups of construction apprentices. The apprentices were a diverse group and came from a range of prime and sub contractors working on the Park and Athletes’ Village. The London 2012 Apprentice Plus programme was supported by the ODA and aimed to provide additional skills for apprentices on the Park site who wanted to work in the construction industry. The overriding aim was for apprentices to be equipped with sustainable skills for future employment through personal development and the development of life skills.

To find out more about how apprentices have been supported visit http://learninglegacy.london2012.com/videos/index.php.

Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship in Barbados

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action have been involved in a number of events to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The Rotary Club of Barbados South in association with First Citizens Investment Services has launched another business challenge programme involving 21 secondary School students. The week will be facilitated by Entrepreneurs in Action. The students will be set a real life business challenge by the telecommunications provider, LIME. Students will present their findings and recommendations in a professional manner to a panel of senior business executives on 16^th November.

Derek Browne will join other international speakers at the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation Summit 2011 which is taking place on the 17^th and 18^th November. The summit is now in its second year and is the most important and influential gathering of entrepreneurs on the island.

The Barbados Entrepreneurial Foundation $20 challenge is part of a national initiative that aims to promote and support entrepreneurship in Barbados. Derek Browne designed the challenge. Over 203 students, aged 14-15, from across Public and Private schools in Barbados were loaned $20 per month and challenged to make money, while making a difference in their communities and to give back in some way using their profits. Four have been chosen to receive awards. The winners will be announced at the BEF summit on 18^th November.

EiA deliver an inspirational programme to staff at Burton and South Derbyshire College

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA) were pleased to be invited back on 5^th October to deliver another inspirational programme at the staff development day at Burton and South Derbyshire College. Having spent the previous day at the World Skills event in London, the staff were able to attend two sessions on the topic of “understanding Entrepreneurship and motivation for business” delivered by EiA. The sessions were positively received with participants commenting "Fantastic session, very motivational."

Entrepreneurs in Action continue to raise the aspirations of apprentices.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

In recognition of the work Entrepreneurs in Action(EiA) do with apprentices, EiA were invited to deliver a passport to success session to a group of 16- 24 year old Greater London Authority (GLA) apprentices at the Transport for London Museum. One participant commented “I would just like to take the opportunity to thank you for your presentation. It was a pleasure hearing your journey to success and an inspiration. I hope more young men and women get the chance to hear your story and success so that you can inspire them as well.”

Entrepreneurs in Action set to return to Barbados

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA in association with Rotary Club Barbados South are set to deliver another inspirational business challenge week in Barbados, sponsored by First Citizens bank. EiA are looking forward to returning in the same year, to facilitate the business challenge with secondary school students.

Croydon College provides students with an insight into their future!

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Croydon College commissioned Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA) to deliver an engaging and inspiring programme to 70 Year 1 BTEC Multimedia, Art and Design and Performing Arts students.

Building upon the values held at the College to “giving the students the right skills....” EiA’s “Career insight” programme was focused on encouraging entrepreneurship and developing employability skills.

Over half a day, students were able to gain an insight into careers in business through an interactive business forum involving successful entrepreneurs and hear about the range of different careers they have followed and also practical experience of the types of work they could be involved in. Guest speakers included, Dawn Mendonca, founder Dancemode, Steve Palmer, founder of Reputation by Design and Andrew Dunsmore, founder of Picture Partnership. The session enabled them to understand the reality and competitiveness of the employment market and the skills needed to stand out.

Students then participated in a high speed business challenge to put their newfound skills to the test.

Richard Snatt, Lecturer Art & Design commented “This was an excellent unexpected experience that fully engaged all. It was really good to see students doing something different.”

Student’s reflections on the programme are as follows:

“Talking to the guests gave me a strong insight into business life and it made me realise I need to start doing things now.”

“The best thing I learnt is that life isn't easy and life comes with complications. But if I handle successfully a positive thing can come out of it.”

“I think this helped me to understand more about the world of work, and has encouraged me to find out more about different jobs.”

“It has made me think about my strengths and weaknesses, and think about the future and how to succeed.”

“It opened my mind and gave me an understanding as to how I need to grow as a woman and be more confident. It has helped me know more about my future business.”

Whatever the future holds for these students, this programme is designed to help unlock entrepreneurial talent, and encourages the students to think about careers in their field and outside. The positive feedback received from the students demonstrates the ability of the programme to inspire and engage a wide range of students around entrepreneur philosophy and experience.

EiA deliver an inspiring programme to scholars in East Africa.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA) were commissioned by the McKinney Rogers Foundation (MR Foundation) to deliver a business challenge programme to eight scholars from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in East Africa. The challenge was set by Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and hosted by Strathmore University in Nairobi.

The scholars worked well together throughout the week utilising research and problem solving skills to find innovative solutions to the challenge. The week culminated in a presentation in the boardroom of KCB to senior executives on the final day.

"I am humbled to stand before you, this experience has transformed me. This programme has given me the chance to go out and make a difference," are the views of one scholar.

Robert Ochola, Divisional Director of Strategy, Research and Innovation at KCB commented, "I was extremely impressed with the speed by which the team worked with Derek on a difficult problem, dealt with it adequately and produced an excellent presentation."

EIA in Kenya Photos

Sixth form students present in the Boardroom of Transport for London (TfL)

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

20 students from Trinity School, Archbishop Tenison High School and Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College have just completed a week long entrepreneurial programme, delivered by Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA). In just 5 days, students went from the Classroom to the Boardroom where they delivered a presentation to a panel of senior executives at the Transport for London offices in London.

The students, who had never met before, worked fantastically well together over the course of the week on a real business challenge set by TfL executives on a current topic relating to transportation around the 2012 Olympics.

Iain Smith, Head of skills at TfL, said "As employers, we at TfL understand how important it is to give young people a wider education that builds on their academic studies and shows them how to approach the world of work. The EiA classroom to boardroom programme is an exemplar in this field and one that we are proud to be associated with.

Students worked tirelessly over the course of the week and delivered an impressive and confident presentation to TfL executives on the final day. Iain Smith commented, “This group of students took the challenge and just ran with it. All who attended the presentation in our boardroom where hugely impressed with the ideas, how they were presented and the professionalism with which the students conducted themselves. Congratulations on a job well done."

Hosted by Trinity School for the third year running, Mark Bishop, Headmaster at Trinity school commented “The event has inspired students to learn more about the skills needed to succeed in business and has unquestionably helped develop those skills.

Students were elated by the whole experience and the end result. It was a great opportunity to put their enterprise and business skills to the test and all made a positive contribution to the team effort. One student commented, “It has been amazing seeing all the different teams work come together at the end of the week. The best part was that feeling of achievement when my team and I were applauded at the end of the presentation. It has been overwhelming.”

Derek Browne, CEO, Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA), commented, “This programme has brought Croydon’s talented young people together across three schools in the borough. Students have worked well together and delivered an exceptional presentation to TfL. Securing the best University places, work placements and long term career opportunities increasingly demand outstanding personal skills, an entrepreneurial skill and mindset, commitment and determination. The classroom to boardroom programme provides opportunities to further develop these skills. We, at Entrepreneurs in Action, are proud to support the students to develop the skills required for the 21^st Century and raise their aspirations for the future.”

Surrey students move from the classroom to the boardroom of IBM

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

26 Year 8 students from Rydens School and Hinchley Wood School in Surrey have just completed a week long entrepreneurial programme, delivered by Entrepreneurs in Action. In just 5 days, students went from the Classroom to the Boardroom when they delivered a presentation to a panel of senior executives at the offices of IBM in Feltham, Middlesex.

Hosted by Rydens School, the students, who had never met before, worked well together during the week using their research and problem solving skills to find innovative solutions to the business challenge set by IBM executives.

This is the third year running that Rydens and Hinchley Wood school students have come together to work on a real business challenge. This year, the teachers strike resulted in the closure of both schools for a day. The students had only 2 days to prepare the presentation, adding the real life experience that in business deadlines need to be met. Students went on to deliver an outstanding presentation to the IBM executives on the final day of the week.

Caroline Mansell, Hinchley Wood School “This was an absolutely superb week and met all our requirements with regard to offering Independent Learning and Challenge to our students.”

A student commented, “The final presentation was really special as I knew I was speaking to high end people in the business world, which made me nervous but I came through well. Answering difficult on the spot questions also boosted my confidence. I really enjoyed the whole experience.”

A successful week was had by all. Derek Browne, CEO, Entrepreneurs in Action, “Students demonstrated commitment and determination throughout the week. Students have increased their understanding of business and enterprise, felt what it is like to be part of a real business assignment for a global business and developed further skills to aid their school achievement and future employment potential. We wish them luck in their future.”

Sixth form students present in the boardroom of Royal Dutch Shell in London.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

26 students from Hampton School and Surbiton High School have just completed an entrepreneurial programme, delivered by Entrepreneurs in Action. In just 4 days, students went from the Classroom to the Boardroom where they delivered a presentation to a panel of senior executives at the offices of Royal Dutch Shell in Central London.

The students, who had never met before, worked fantastically well together over the course of the week on a real business challenge set by Royal Dutch Shell executives on a current topic relating to their retail division.

An impressive and confident presentation was made on the final day by the 17 year olds and there was glowing feedback from senior executives at Royal Dutch Shell on how well the students had performed. All students took part in the final presentation.

This is the third year running that Hampton and Surbiton students have come together to work on a real business challenge. Students used research and problem solving skills to find innovative solutions to the challenge.

Barry Martin, Headmaster at Hampton School commented “EiA are a fascinating organisation with a great track record. The students get huge value out of these programmes as they bring the real work of decision making and problem solving into their lives.”

Surbiton High School student commented, “I now have a lot more confidence in my ability to not only interpret the views of my peers, but also demonstrate my own understanding and personal ideas concisely with a high degree of confidence. It was rewarding to present in front of the executives, who listened attentively to our ideas and it showed me what we could achieve in a short space of time.”

Derek Browne, CEO of Entrepreneurs in Action commented, “This is the third year that we have delivered a classroom to boardroom programme with Hampton and Surbiton High schools. The week has been a resounding success and has given them the opportunity to work on a real challenge set by a global business. The students were inspired and energised and worked together to deliver an outstanding presentation. Their sense of achievement at the end of the presentation was overwhelming. Securing the best University places, work placements and long term career opportunities increasingly demand outstanding personal skills, an entrepreneurial skill and mindset, commitment and determination. We, at Entrepreneurs in Action, are proud to support the students to develop these skills required for the 21^st Century and raise their aspirations for the future.”

Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation & EiA

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The Bajan Reporter gives EiA and the BEF (Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation) front page news on the exciting work with young people.

Click on the link below to read the full story!

bit.ly/o910q8

EiA live on Talk Radio Europe

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Inspiring the youth of today to get into work was one of the hot topics on Talk Radio Europe!

Derek Browne was interviewed on the Hannah Murray show, where they dicussed the outlook and opportunities for young people today in the UK and Internationally.

Click on the following link to hear the interview:

www.youtube.com/watch

Running firms on gut feeling? Derek Browne responds to a T-Mobile survey

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

T-Mobile recently carried out a survey on the importance of gut feeling when making business decisions. This article looks at feedback from business owners and their opinions. Please click on the link below to see Derek Browne's response:-

www.knowledge.hsbc.co.uk/news/business+owners+running+firms+on+gut+instinct

First Citizens Bank sponsor another success story in Barbados

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Classroom to Boardroom for 19 Bajan students was a definite hit!

In partnership with the Rotary Club Barbados, EiA have just delivered a fantastic week long programme to 19 students in Barbados. Diverse in background, all the students who were aged between 14-19 years old, worked all week on a real life business challenge set by Automotive Art. Sponsored by First Citizens Bank, the students were set the task of analysing the Automotive Art website and to present back at the end of the week their findings on how they could best promote the site in Barbados.

President of the Rotary Club Barbados South, Katrina Sam successfully helped co-ordinated the sponsorship and Business supporters of the programme.The presentations had great coverage on National TV in Barbados and was filmed by CBC!

Well done to all the students for a great week!

For more information on the success of the programme please click on the following links:-

news.barbadostoday.bb/barticlenew.php

www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp

www.automotiveart.com/company-news/

EiA support PwC in Newcastle

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

PwC select EiA to "Raise the Game" at Shotton Hall School

Recently awarded academy status, Shotton Hall School in Peterlee, near Newcastle, was the venue for an inspiring and motivational day for 25 Year 10 students. As part of a three day programme, supported by PwC, EiA ran an exciting day for the Aim Higher category of students at the school. As part of the PwC in the Community programme, this was a great opportunity for staff at the company's office in Newcastle to continue their proactive volunteering work in the community.

One student said " ..doing the presentations at the front of the class built up my confidence.". All the students will now go on to complete the two final days which will focus on building up their entrepreneurial skills and identifying the right skill set for being successful in the 21st Century's marketplace.

The Entrepreneur Academy presents young entrepreneurs in action at Lewisham Shopping Centre on Saturday 26th March 2011.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

'From Classroom to Marketplace' is the exciting Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA) programme being delivered at the Entrepreneur Academy involving year 9 (13/14 year old) students from Conisborough College, Sedgehill School, Sydenham School, Bonus Pastor Catholic College and St Matthews Academy.

The Entrepreneur Academy, supported by the Shine Trust was launched in November 2010. It will run until April 2011. Over 50 students have been attending a series of Saturday sessions held at Conisborough College and facilitated by Entrepreneurs in Action. The students have learnt key business concepts such as financial management, business planning and marketing techniques. They have initiated and taken command of their own businesses, where they have realised the importance of teamwork, organisation and resourcefulness as they have successfully stepped up to the challenges before them.

The innovation, experience and commitment demonstrated by the EIA coaches have unlocked the talent of these students as they have blossomed into young entrepreneurs. Undiscovered skills have come to the forefront, aspirations have increased and students have thrived on the responsibility for taking ownership of their businesses. Most importantly, the interactive nature of the sessions has ensured that the students have enjoyed themselves whilst making the most of this unique opportunity to experience a real taste of business.

These skills will be put into action as the Young Entrepreneurs Market returns to the North Mall of Lewisham Shopping Centre on Saturday 26^th March from 11am – 2pm. Young entrepreneurs will be drawing on their new-found confidence and business skills to engage potential customers, whilst experiencing the excitement of doing business in a real situation. If the buzz generated from February’s market is anything to go by, the day promises to be an enjoyable experience for all.

Here’s what people have said about the last market day experience.

Students from team Charisma commented “Wow – what an amazing experience. We found it challenging but also stimulating. It was fun to be in business for the day and sell to the general public. It was our first trading experience and we made a profit! We are looking forward to the next market day so that we can put our business skills into action and make even more money.”

“Thank you for giving my year 9 students such a valuable experience, the Market Day was fantastic! I am looking forward to the next one.” Susan Craig, Head of Year 9 Conisborough College.

Come and support this dynamic, exciting and worthwhile event, part of the proceeds of which will be donated to charity.

Entrepreneur Competition at Burton College

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The EiA team has been running 2 programmes with Burton College, following a successful first programme last year.

The Entrepreneur Competition seeks to unlock entrepreneur talents of the young people in the college. Entrants were invited to participate in a day programme to develop their ideas further and test them in an exciting virtual marketplace with buyers.

At the next stage in March, the entrants will develop their ideas in a business plan and present this to a judging panel. Finalists will go to the final stage at the end of March and the winning business will receive a support package to get their business idea off the ground!

Another 125 students in the college, from a wide range of subjects, took up the chance to try out their entrepreneur skills in a taster 'The Entrepreneur in you!' day.

Whatever the future for these students, these events are designed to help unlock not just entrepreneurial talent, but to build confidence and give a context for their studies.

One Participant says it all:

'My point of view on business has taken a massive shift to the positive, form taking part in this experience. It has really boosted my understanding of selling in business and my self confidence. I never had the courage to talk with new people, this program has given me that.'

Trading Up! at the London Metropolitan Business School

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

An exciting Trading Up! day was run at the London Metropolitan Business School to 112 students. A high impact and fun filled session took place for a set of 1st year Business/Management students at Southside in Holloway Road, focusing on entrepreneurial skills and trading, including a personalised SWOT analysis for each student.

Organised by Linda Johnson, Head of Learning and Teaching, EiA have worked closely with LMBS for many years and the success of the EiA sessions is proven year on year. One student said "The best part was team working. I love coming up with ideas, selling, speaking to new people and making decisions. it had a real professional feel to it. I loved it."

Rank Foundation and EiA support the Gappers!

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA have just delivered a "Raising Your Game - The Leader in You" programme supported by the Rank Foundation. As part of the Youth Projects programme, 25 "Gap" Students from all across the UK came to Leeds to take part in the day event.

The session focused on raising aspirations and increasing levels of motivation for the students and proved to be a great success.

One student said. "Getting me to stand up and speak in front of the class - I thought I would never do that." Another added...." The facilitators were inspiring and gave me self belief."

Charlie Harris, Director of Youth Projects, invited EiA to become involved in the day session as part of the many developmental projects the Rank Foundation run for young people.

Forging Business Links London Met Alumni

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

On the night of Tuesday 15 February 2011, the Henry Thomas Room at the University’s Tower Building was abuzz with an audience of around 100 London Met alumni, student entrepreneurs, academics and governors.

The guest speaker of the night was London Met alumnus Derek Browne, founder and CEO of Entrepreneurs in Action. The main thrust of Derek’s talk was that each and every one of us has the opportunity to be a leader. ‘Where you are on paper, does not have to be your destination’, he told his captive audience he also called on his fellow alumni to ‘step up and help’ London Met students who are facing a critical economic situation.

Professor Malcolm Gillies spoke of the need for true entrepreneurs in today’s economic climate. ‘We need to create graduates who are entrepreneurs’, he said. 'We can no longer expect society to absorb our graduates.'

‘Derek’s talk was awe inspiring as he is an accomplished motivational speaker and amazing role model for all who are in the throes of setting up or running a business’, said Tammy, who runs her own business providing workshops and private sessions in personal growth and wellbeing.

.

Derek Browne to speak at the Windsor Leadership trust programme

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne has been invited to speak at the Windsor Leadership Trust Programme which is being held on 22nd February 2011 at Windsor Castle.

The Windsor Leadership Trust (WLT) believes exceptional leadership can have a powerful and positive impact on society.

Through a unique portfolio of programmes and consultations, held at St George’s House, Windsor Castle, they provide opportunities for leaders to develop their own leadership wisdom and insight. Leaders from all sectors take part, including business, government, military, religion, and not-for-profit.

WLT programmes are aimed at those already in positions of strategic leadership and those identified as having the potential to reach senior positions. By sharing experiences and challenging speakers, programme participants reflect on the impact they can have on wider society through the decisions they make, as their responsibilities as today’s and tomorrow’s leaders increase. Strong cross-sector networks emerge that go on to provide a constant bedrock of support and experience as individuals continue their leadership journey.

US Embassy co-host breakfast roundtable event for male entrepreneurs with the Barbados Youth Trust

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne was invited by the US Embassy and Barbados Youth Business Trust to speak at their breakfast roundtable.

http://barbados.usembassy.gov/cda11182010a.html

High on Entrepreneurship at St Anne's Catholic High School for Girls

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

In December, we were delighted to deliver a high energy, fun-filled Entrepreneur in You! day at St Anne’s School. Split into 2 sessions of around 80 students, the EiA coaches ran an inspiring programme which proved to be a great success for both the Students and Teachers.

Helen Castellon, a Co-ordinator of the WRL Team at Enfield Business Partnership, was key in setting up the partnership between St Anne's and EiA. " A high energy Enterprise day like this is fantastic for the students. Engaging and interactive, I certainly would recommend other schools to run this programme."

One student commented: "I have learnt that business has a large range. The skills I have learnt like being committed, taking risks and being persuasive are something we naturally have and we have learnt to improve them. The 4 p’s, promote, price, place, product) are useful for when starting a business. They make you think about all perspectives."

Derek Browne speaks at the Celebrating Youth entrepreneurship with male perspective event, in Barbados

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

On a recent visit to Barbados, Derek Browne, CEO of Entrepreneurs in Action was asked to speak at the Barbados Youth Trust global entrepreneurship week breakfast. The event was entitled "Celebrating Youth Entrepreneurship with male perspective," and was held at the US embassy.

Entrepreneurs in this recession are complaining about not having money but there are things that they can do that won't cost money but will create opportunities.

Browne explained, "Many people who want to become entrepreneurs get caught up with money as the driver. It is not money, it is passion. If you are passionate about what you do and execute, your customers will become passionate about your brand and you will earn money."

"Another area that is free is networking. We can spend hundreds of dollars on marketing, but networking with a vengeance is what you can do to set your business apart from the rest. As an entrepreneur, when people help you, you then need to help other young people."

http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=business&NewsID=14306

The Entrepreneur Academy returns to provide increased academic achievement to pupils in Lewisham

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

This week, Entrepreneurs in Action successfully launched the Entrepreneur Academy with two in school days at Conisborough College featuring the Raising your Game and Entrepreneur in you programmes led by 2 inspirational EiA coaches.

The Entrepreneur Academy is supported by the Shine Trust and will run at Conisborough College from November 2010 to April 2011.

Drawing upon the EiA's innovative and well established entrepreneurial coaching techniques, the Academy aims to raise the motivation, aspiration and academic achievement levels of over 50 secondary school students (aged 13/14) from Conisborough College, Sedgehill Secondary School, Bonus Pastor Catholic School, St Matthews Academy and Sydenham School.

The Academy will give students real experience, and real ownership of business projects, facilitated by the EiA, providing a stepping stone to increased academic achievement.

Students and teachers who attended the launch commented:

“The coach had a very good relationship with students. Students worked well within teams and their presentations, particularly the adverts worked really well.” Linda Baverstock, G&T Co-ordinator, Bonus Pastor School.

“The students worked excellently in their groups. The presentations were engaging, valuable and on a level the students could relate to. The whole day was very motivational and inspirational.” Mary Fudge, Careers and Enterprise Co-ordinator, Sydenham School

All students made a positive contribution to the start of the Academy and when asked what they liked the best, meeting new people, interacting with others and being creative were common responses.

“We learned how to communicate well when you are interacting with a person and had a good understanding of what entrepreneurship is and how to plan our future”. Olujamoke

Rhys, Bonus Pastor School “I enjoyed the practical side of the day and being able to make my own advert. I can’t wait to make my own business.”

EiA look forward to developing the entrepreneurs of the future. Watch this space!

Derek Browne to speak at the 14-19 Skills for Employability national conference

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne is to speak at the 14-19 Skills for Employability national conference being held at America Square Conference Centre, London on Tuesday 30^th November. The conference is aimed at equipping young people for the world of employment. Derek will be a member of a panel discussing working together to develop skills and will also be leading a seminar on the key issue of developing entrepreneurs of the future.

EiA speak to budding entrepreneurs at the BucksFuture Leaders Bootcamp

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Attended by 15-17 year old students Enterprise was the theme of the event, specifically Entrepreneurship for Young People. Held at Aylesbury Grammar School this week, the Young Entrepreneur Society in partnership with Buckinghamshire Economic and Learning Partnership (BELP), the afternoon brought together some exciting speakers, one of which was of course, Derek Browne, CEO of EiA.

Speaking on the theme of “Who wants to be an entrepreneur?” Derek received some great feedback from the session, in particular from Sarah Bradley, “.... thank you on behalf of my students for your talk at Aylesbury today. My year 13s were genuinely inspired by your desire to avoid being a postman and quoted you as their favourite speaker of the day, which is high praise indeed from a teenagers...... I spend a lot of time telling students about how grabbing opportunities, pitching way above your station and never giving up pays dividends and your talk reinforced it in a relevant and memorable way....”

E-Team Barbados - EiA continue their international journey

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA are delighted to be part of the E-Team Barbados which is a small group of Entrepreneurs based in Barbados, the UK and USA, who have a vision for Barbados that is inspirational, challenging and measurable. The E-Team has a vision where Barbados is the #1 Entrepreneurial Hub in the World by 2020.

The Prime Minister has given the project his full support and has invited the E-Team to execute the Vision Plan – the beginning of an exciting and historical journey for Barbados. The Vision will require active partnership and will also require creativity and innovation to deliver new value through the successful exploration of new ideas.

The E-Team Project will seek to support the critical foundations of developing businesses and as a result will focus upon Growing Sustainable Entrepreneurship via the key foundations of Finance, Government Policy, Education and Skills, Mentorship and Business Facilitation

EiA are delighted to be part of this very exciting venture!

Derek Browne judges the finalists for the NTA 2010 ceremony

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The National Training Awards recognises the impact that excellent training and development has on achieving outstanding organisational and individual success and provides a benchmark for standards of excellence in the UK.

Now a judge on the panel for the 3^rd year, Derek Browne is attending the UK ceremony on London where the winners will be announced. In today’s highly competitive and ever-changing economic climate, training is more important than ever. Derek comments, “The finalists are very excited. It was probably the best judging experience of my 3 years on the panel and we have a great mix of individuals and experiences."

EiA attends the Steve Biko Memorial Lecture

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne, EiA’s CEO, was invited and attended the Steve Biko memorial lecture held at the University of Greenwich on Thursday 28^th October 2010. The first address outside of South Africa, the speaker was Nkosinathi Biko, founder and CEO of the Steve Biko Foundation and delivered a lecture on “Challenges for Black Leadership – Time for New Leadership Models for the 21^st Century.

Mr Biko reflected on the life and legacy of his late father, Steve Biko, the anti-apartheid activist and leader of the Consciousness Movement who died in police custody 33 years ago.

The Steve Biko Memorial Lecture, held annually in South Africa since 2000, has attracted a roll call of distinguished humanitarians and religious and political leaders since its establishment. Past speakers include Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Derek comments, “It was an inspiring evening and even more so relevant since we have just returned from South Africa after delivering our entrepreneurial programme to the CIDA students. We are very much looking forward to returning next year to unlock the hidden talent of so many more students and to encourage them to enter the world of enterprise.”

EiA deliver an inspiring programme to CIDA students in South Africa

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA have just returned from working with 3^rd year students at CIDA, a higher education institute in Johannesburg which offers virtually free higher education to disadvantaged young people in South Africa. In parallel with CIDA’s aims, EiA’s goal was to unleash the potential and unlock the talents of the students.

Delivering a 7 day programme to just under 30 students from the neighbouring townships, the entrepreneurial programme focused on teaching 21st century skills for success, raise aspirations of the students and understand the skills needed to be successful in business today.

The Students were also set exciting Business Challenges from 2 companies, Standard Bank and Omnicor. Throughout the week, the students prepared their presentations which were delivered in a fantastic climax to the week at the company boardrooms. What an experience!

Here are some great quotes from the students:-

“I had kept myself in a shell but what has been unleashed in me will never go and I will be a light to others.” Silvia

“I honestly didn't know that I could work and deliver under pressure and to very tight deadlines. Now and onwards, I feel that I can handle any kind of pressure that comes my way.” Patrick

“Impressed that the programme delivers at what it aims at achieving. It brings a different view at what entrepreneurship is. Through this programme I can boldly say I AM EMPOWERED FOR LIFE.” Bernice

“It was amazing - at one point I felt totally naked and I wanted to quit, but I really thank God that I didn't. David and Derek have been a godsend. I have grown dramatically; I have the confidence now to take the next step in my business endeavours. I am very happy, grateful and enthusiastic. Thank you thank you x infinity.” Christinah

Following the presentations, Omnicor have given an offer of an internship plus invited all the presentation team back to the company! It was an inspiring and amazing time for both students and coaches. The Dean of CIDA has now offered EiA to return in 2011 to deliver another programme to 300 students.

Sixth form students present in the Boardroom of Channel 4 and The British Council.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

50 students from Coloma Girls Convent School, Archbishop Tenison High and Trinity School worked together on a Classroom to Boardroom programme culminating in a presentation in the boardrooms of Channel 4 and The British Council.

The students, who had never met before, worked fantastically well together on the challenges set by each of the businesses. One set of students worked on a real brief by Channel 4 on a current topic using digital media to support a media opportunity. The British Council set the students a challenge relating to volunteer recruitment.

Impressive and confident presentations were made on the final day by the 17 year olds and there was glowing feedback from C4 and the British Council on how well the students performed.

One student commented: “Attitude can determine how far you go, regardless of achievement, willingness or attributes. Stay positive, focused and self-motivated and you can do whatever you want – literally”

The programme has shown the students that academic success is important but not enough:- securing the best University places, work placement and long term career opportunities increasingly demand outstanding personal skills, an entrepreneurial mind set and commitment and determination.

Derek Browne speaks at The Hay Festival as a Centenary Ambassador for UK Youth

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

As a Centenary Ambassador for UK Youth, Derek Browne (CEO - Entrepreneurs in Action) spoke at the Hay Festival as part of UK Youth's Vision not Division campaign to gain greater recognition for the value of non-formal learning.

Derek was part of a panel passionately debating 'What young people need, but schools can't deliver' along with many other high-profile individuals with a stake in the education sector. Derek powerfully put across his views on the importance of supplementing academic learning with activities which develop 'soft' skills and help young people become rounded individuals. It is imperative that our young people are not just trained to pass exams, but that we provide opportunities and experiences to allow them to be communicators, negotiators, presenters, team players - and leaders.

Derek has also been interviewed by UK Youth's online magazine 'The Source' in its June edition. Find out about Derek's inspirations growing up and just why he believes it is so important to be positive about our youth here

Derek Browne speaks at Whole Education Conference on non-formal learning

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne gave an inspiring speech at the 'Whole Education' Conference hosted by the RSA on 24th May. He discussed the importance of non-formal learning as an essential part of gaining a whole education to prepare young people for both work and life readiness.

EiA believe that in order to best equip our young people for success in the 21st Century, it is of fundamental importance to ensure that they have the right skills, mindset and aspirations to be able to adapt to an unknown future. Whilst academic qualifications are important, developing core business and 'soft' skills will not only help our young people compete in the global marketplace, but will also ensure that they have the confidence to follow their dreams.

Please visit the Whole Education site and support the right of every young person to a whole education:

www.wholeeducation.org/

EiA launches London Paperclip Challenge

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action has begun a London Paperclip Challenge for students involved in enterprise programmes we are running with the Enterprise Network and Specialist Schools and Academies Trust across London this Spring.

The Paperclip. A boring little object which people have used to clip bits of paper together for over 100 years? Think again! This object has been transformed into spaceships, jewellery and back scratchers in the hands of some of London's budding young entrepreneurs. We have seen some weird, wacky and wonderful ideas as part of the challenge - but which borough's team will be awarded the title of London Paperclip Challenge Champion?

The Challenge asks our students to be innovative, creative and think outside the box - all skills which make great entrepreneurs.

Results will be updated after each event - please check back to see the current winner!

15 teams per borough.

9 boroughs.

1 winner.

Who will it be?....

Current Winner - Bexley with a record score of 68!

Bexley - The 'Sweet Like Chocolate/Green' Team (68)

Kensington and Chelsea - The 'Don Enterprises' Team (54)

Westminster - The 'Kool Karts' Team (49)

Enfield - The 'Eat Easy' Team (44)

Haringey Parkview - The 'Wo ai nai Fashion' Team (41)

Lewisham - The 'Green Chocs' Team (38)

The Enterprise Network and Specialist Schools and Academies Trust work with EiA in London Boroughs

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Entrepreneurs in Action helped unlock the talent of young people from Hammersmith and Fulham as we welcomed students from Hurlingham & Chelsea, Lady Margaret School, Henry Compton and Burlington Danes at the event hosted by Phoenix High School. The event was buzzing with excitement as students from these five different schools networked with each other and worked in teams with people they had never met before.

Entrepreneurs in Action ran an innovative and engaging ‘Entrepreneur in You!’ programme to challenge students to raise their bar. Sales pitches, trading games, networking exercises and presentations raised the confidence of these young people as they discovered strengths they did not necessarily know they possessed – be it teamwork, leadership qualities or presentation skills!

We look forward to running this event across other London boroughs during March and working with Specialist Schools and Academies Trust to be at the forefront of developing young people’s potential.

Sir William Atkinson, Head Teacher of Phoenix High School-

“This was a splendid learning opportunity for students across five schools in the borough. The students entered with passion and enthusiasm and at the end of the day they were fully functioning mini entrepreneurs. I am sure that the specific learning from the day’s activities will be transferable to the rest of their schooling and wider education. I would like to thank Derek and his team for doing a fantastic job."

Henry Compton Teacher -

"I thought it was an excellent day. The event was well structured and was made a success by the passion and knowledge of the EiA staff."

Lady Margaret School Student -

"I found it very interesting and exciting - it gave me a real sense of being in business."

Lewisham Entrepreneur Academy Raises the Bar at the Lewisham Young Entrepreneurs' Market

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Following the success of The Young Entrepreneurs' Christmas Market, which took place in a vacant shop unit on Lewisham High Street on 19th December last year, Entrepreneurs in Action has organised a further trading event for members of the Lewisham Entrepreneur Academy on 6th March 2010.

Since trading at Christmas, our young entrepreneurs have 'stepped up' to build on the experience they gained at the earlier market, and have been working at a more intensive level to form new businesses for trading in March, really getting to grips with buying at the right price, understanding profit and how important promotion is to get customers through the door.

This included not just Saturdays but also their half term week at the Entrepreneur Academy Holiday club, during which they met professional traders, learnt about promotion and developed a marketing strategy to raise the profile of the event and attract the media's interest.

The event is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to engage with the young people of Lewisham and shop for a one-off collection of unique and handcrafted products which you will not be able to find elsewhere on Lewisham High Street. This will be an exciting event, with press coverage expected and some serious deals to be had by all! The students will be offering an eclectic array of individual clothing designs, handmade jewellery, inspirational eco-chic accessories and special Mother's day gifts with plenty of bargains to boot - why not come and see what these young entrepreneurs have to offer!

WHAT: The Lewisham Young Entrepreneurs' Market

WHO: 40-50 students from 4 Lewisham Schools aged 13-14

WHERE: Focal area directly outside entrance to Lewisham Shopping Centre, Lewisham High Street

WHEN: 11 am - 2 pm, 6th March 2010

You can watch a video filmed by Meanwhile Space featuring interviews with some of our budding entrepreneurs at the Young Entrepreneurs' Christmas Market below:

meanwhilespace.ning.com/video/young-entrepreneurs-christma

Lewisham Academy prepares for Young Entrepreneurs Christmas Market on Saturday 19th December

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

'From Classroom to Marketplace' is the exciting new EiA programme that was launched a month ago as part of the Lewisham Entrepreneur Academy involving students from Catford High, Forest Hill, Sedgehill Secondary and Bonus Pastor Catholic College. Giving up Saturdays over recent weeks to work on their businesses with EiA is testament to the passion and dedication of these students, who will trade at the Young Entrepreneurs Christmas Market on Saturday 19th December.

Over 50 students have been enrolled on the Entrepreneur Academy, which will run over seven months and is supported by the Shine Trust. During a series of Saturday sessions facilitated by EiA, the students have learnt key business concepts such as financial management, business planning and marketing techniques. They have initiated and taken command of their own businesses, where they have realised the importance of teamwork, organisation and resourcefulness as they have successfully stepped up to the challenges before them.

The innovation, experience and commitment demonstrated by the EIA coaches has unlocked the staggering potential of these students as they have blossomed into young entrepreneurs. Undiscovered skills have come to the forefront, aspirations have increased and students have thrived on the responsibility for taking ownership of their businesses. Most importantly, the interactive nature of the sessions has ensured that the students have enjoyed themselves whilst making the most of this unique opportunity to experience a real taste of business.

The skills learnt at the Saturday sessions will come to the fore at the Young Entrepreneurs Christmas Market as they trade with the general public. Young entrepreneurs will be drawing on their new-found confidence and business skills to engage potential customers, whilst experiencing the excitement of doing business in a real situation. If the buzz and enthusiasm created by the simulated marketplace in the 'trading game' that kicked off the Lewisham Academy is anything to go by, the day promises to be an enjoyable experience for all. Please come and support this dynamic, exciting and worthwhile event, part of the proceeds of which will be donated to charity.

EiA works with Croydon College students

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Students at Croydon College have taken part in a series of programmes with EiA with a broader aim to become more entrepreneurial by making the most of their opportunities, whether financial, academic or business based.

The Entrepreneur in You! programme paved the way for a journey of self-discovery, helping draw out undiscovered talent and how it could best be used to find success. Everyone took something positive away from the experience, from discovering an unknown ability to bargain by way of trading exercises, to finding the confidence to present ideas to others at the front of their class.

The Raising the Game programme challenged students to plan for success and develop the mindset with which to achieve these goals. The ability of the EiA coaches to inspire and motivate students to reach their potential resulted in a highly interactive day, where the confidence was found to address ambitions and consider how to seize opportunities in front of them.

The Money in Your Pocket programme encouraged students to think about financial planning, both in personal and business spheres. EiA coaches prompted students to their own realisation that using budgeting, negotiation and business skills could have significant financial benefits.

The combination of programmes highlighted to students how they can achieve their full potential with the right mentality. In the words of one Croydon College student, the combination of programmes "gave me a destination."

Derek Browne at HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards 2009

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne joined fellow panellists and finalists at the annual HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards 2009 held at the Intercontinental Hotel in London last Monday. The ceremony was addressed by Secretary of State for Business and Innovation, Lord Peter Mandleson who told the attendees that Britain’s prosperity depended on the entrepreneurial spirit shown by the finalists shortlisted for this years awards.

All the shortlisted finalists were given an award recognising their impressive achievement and entrepreneurial spirit shown through setting up a business from scratch. The ceremony culminated in the announcement of this years Start-Up Star for 2009.

The award went to UK Foodhall and its Founder Karen McQuade who was presented with a cheque for £25,000 in prize money and £5,000 worth of Google advertising to help promote her business. UK Foodhall supports British farmers by selling only Assured Meat and is now the biggest supplier of meat to local education authorities in the UK .

The EiA is proud to be a part of these awards yet again, and feel that such events are important for recognising the entrepreneurial spirit alive in the UK. Even within the midst of the worst economic recession since the 1930s, the awards ceremony were testament to our belief that with an entrepreneurial spirit, and good application of business skills, individuals and new start-up businesses can succeed and prosper

Derek Browne interviewed by UK Youth at 'Vision not Division' Conference

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne speaks at the Vision not Division Conference focusing on learning in the 21st Century.

A major conference took place at Windsor Castle on 18th-20th November 2009 where senior figures in the world of non-formal learning were brought together to discuss the "increasingly significant contribution that non-formal learning is likely to have to play in the future provision of education and learning in the 21st Century."

A key issue on Derek Browne's agenda is the way in which we are preparing young people for the world of tomorrow and what we are doing differently in the 21st Century to develop their talent.

You can watch an interview with Derek Browne here:

blogukyouth.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/two-more-interviews-from-vision-not-division/

Launch of The Lewisham Academy

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The Lewisham Academy kicked off on saturday with an exciting day of programmes led by our EiA coaches.

The Academy is supported by the Shine Trust and will run for seven months. Programmes will be delivered in out of school ours on Saturdays and during half terms. Indeed, it was great to see so many young people attend on the very first day.

Drawing upon the EiA's innovative and well established entrepreneurial coaching techniques, the Academy aims to raise the motivation, aspiration and academic achievement levels of over 50 secondary school students from four schools in the London Borough of Lewisham.

The Academy will give students real experience, and real ownership, of their own business projects, facilitated by the EiA, providing a stepping stone to increased academic achievement.

Keep checking our website in the following weeks for updates and feedback from this exciting programme.

Derek Browne to speak at the Annual Chain Reaction Event

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne will be discussing the business of social change at the Annual Chain Reaction event on November 12 at Canary Wharf. Drawing together 500 social leaders, community activisits, policy makers, business leaders and young people from the UK and beyond, the event will seek to develop new ideas for social change.

Derek Browne will be speaking in the session, 'Ideas for Organising the Business of Social Change', held between 15:45 and 17:15 on the main stage in the East Wintergarden. He will discuss how the EiA is facilitating new ways of thinking for social change by challenging the status quo in education. Through the promotion of business and enterprise skills in educational institutions, our young people can develop the correct mindset, self-belief, motivation and entrepreneurial spirit, to raise their game and take on the challenges that business and society will face in the future.

The current recession has created the perfect climate for innovation, entrepreneurism, and new ways of thinking, and is something everyone should be capitalising on. Here at EiA, we are already taking advantage of this opportunity through the delivery of a range of programmes where we will be inspiring young people to unlock their talents and create a new generation of young entrepreneurs for business and society.

The session will be chaired by Rajeeb Dey, Founder & Chairman of the English Secondary Students' Association (ESSA), and will provide an opportunity for Derek Browne to share the experiences and practices of EiA with other like minded professionals and entrepreneurs.

Also on the panel:

Mikel Lezamiz, Director of Co-operative Dissemination, Mondragon Co-operative (Spain)
Julia Clark, Brand Strategy Manager, Tate & Lyle
Jess Steele, Head of Consultancy, Development Trusts Association
Arthur Potts-Dawson, The People's Supermarket

Four Schools in Lewisham build up to the Entrepreneur Academy

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The first programme in the lead up to the opening of our Entrepreneur Academy in Lewisham took place this week at Catford High School. Students from Catford High, Forest Hill, Sedgehill Secondary and Bonus Pastor Catholic College came together to experience a three day programme delivered by the EiA. These young people will form the first intake at our new Entrepreneur Academy in Lewisham, supported by the Shine Trust.

The Three days consisted of two EiA programmes; Raising Your Game and The Entrpreneur in YOU! Students from the four schools were divided into two groups, each group assigned their own EiA coach. Bringing together four different schools provided a wonderful opportunity for the students to make new friends from across the Borough of Lewisham, and built excitement for the forthcoming Lewisham Academy.

The programme culminated in a high energy entrepreneurial game which tested the students leadership and negotiation skills and encouraged them to raise their entrepreneurial bar.

Here id just a small taster of the feedback we received from the programme:

"I loved the trading game because I got to show how I work at business and I did things I never thought i'd do" (Year 9 student from Catford High)

"I learnt to be passionate and if its to be, its up to me!" (Year 9 student from Catford High)

"This was a fantastic journey for the students. I saw quiet, shy people blossom and grow in confidence. They truly benefited working in teams that were not from their own schools and they behaved really well" (Glenis Davis, Teacher at Forest Hill)

New college students kick start the new academic year with EiA

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Last week they met with the EiA coaching team who helped them explore their motivation, looked at what makes people successful, and started a journey to build their confidence and skills to support their college work.

What did the students say they had gained from the day?

How to talk to people and how to mingle
I conquered some fears
Learning about different people and what they've achieved
Learning from failure
Be positive
More confidence from having taken part in the day

This is the start of a Passport to Success programme over coming months

EiA works with Years 6 and 7 in Whitley Excellence Cluster, Reading

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The headlines which greeted the publication of UNICEF’S 2007 report on the well-being of children in 21 industrialised nations made grim reading. ‘British children: poorer, at greater risk and more insecure’, announced The Guardian. The Daily Mail declared, ‘UK bottom of child well-being table’ while the BBC led on ‘UK is accused of failing children.’

But doom and gloom does not change anything and following the publication of the report, EiA was quick off the mark working to finalise programmes, which it was already working on and which tackle the very issues highlighted. One of these programmes, for the CfBT Education Trust, took place in Reading during the summer term in 2007.

The programme was based in schools in the Whitley Excellence Cluster, in the bottom 20% of the most deprived areas in the UK. It addressed issues of poverty, low self-esteem and low aspirations among young people in the area. Through a series of challenges in which local businesses were involved, students from Reading Girls School, the John Madejski Academy and local primary schools came to realise that opportunities of employment and career advancement do, in fact, exist for them in the local community.

Microsoft, a large local employer, set a business challenge about helping the company’s partners understand the cutting edge use of the internet by younger web users, and other groups helped the police and fire services tackle seemingly intractable social problems such as graffiti and ‘mini-moto’ joy riding. One group was featured on BBC South.

“Reading is a great place to live and work and is full of opportunities for those looking for work or thinking about setting up a business. Unfortunately, some young people in areas like Whitley just don’t realise that these opportunities exist for them as well. Having lived their lives in a community of high unemployment and poverty, their aspirations have taken a battering. This programme will rekindle those aspirations and help them fulfil the great potential which they possess” said Derek Browne.

But, there is an additional twist: this project also introduces social responsibility and enterprise to primary schools in an innovative approach to engage them in finding solutions to real community challenges set by key stakeholders like the Police, Fire and Health Services, Sports Development Reading and Groundwork. The local MP Martin Salter, MP for Reading West has also agreed to set a challenge for these students. This part of programme is aimed at giving pupils in Year 6 at primary school, a voice in solving and influencing some of the big issues facing their community.

The students found it fun to work as young businessmen & women and really think through the challenges that they could face as young entrepreneurs. Older pupils in the secondary schools also supported their younger colleagues through the process, and the project looked to develop stronger links between the primary and secondary schools as the children were moving up to their new school in September.

The 3000th CIC

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The CIC Regulator announced the registration of the 3,000th community interest company Entrepreneurs in Action Foundation CIC on 5th June 2009.

Improved opportunities will be made available for these young people to set up their own businesses. The Regulator said they were thrilled that Entrepreneurs in Action Foundation CIC is setting out to help encourage, engage and develop the skills of this sector of society and make a real difference.

For more information on the current work of the foundation click here

The Recession Debates

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne, EiA’s CEO, was a keynote speaker and built a powerful case of how such times can in fact stimulate very innovative thinking and create a wealth of opportunities.

The talk followed a theme of "Who wants to be an entrepreneur?" and culminated with an underlying message that success in a recession comes not as a result of a slumdog millionaire style moment but spawns from hard work, innovation and creative thinking. Derek presented the need to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs by unlocking the talents and potential of young people.

Click Here for further information and for a list of other guest speakers.

Top Entrepreneurs 'Invest in the Best'

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Yesterday students from South Thames reached the end stage of the ‘Invest in the Best’ Entrepreneurship and Employability project, having been coached by EiA and their college teachers in developing their business ideas and skills.

Five businesses who were successful in the Trade Fair in January had developed their ideas into a business plan, and faced a panel to bid for a first investment of £1,000 to get going!

The five finalist groups had to develop their ideas and prepare a business plan which they presented to a Dragon's Den style panel consisting of Lorraine Brehme, co-founder of Clipper Teas, John Kennedy, previous Commercial Director of Green and Blacks, Karen Darby, founder of Simply Switch, Sue Rimmer, Principal of South Thames College and Derek Browne, Chief Executive of Entrepreneurs in Action - who then chose the final winner. They were impressed by the quality of the presentations and quality of answers under pressure.

In the end Joshua Moses, Ashley Williams and Stephen Cohane were elated when they were announced the winners. Their business idea, Plug & Play, was to sell studio time, backing tracks and to create MySpace layouts for up and coming artists and producers. The one thousand pounds won will enable the students to take their business idea and make it an actual reality.

Derek Browne Joins Start Up Stars Panel

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne, EiA’s CEO joined other judges, past finalists and sponsors on Wednesday 4th March to launch the 2009 Start up Stars Awards.

Derek commented;

“The energy and electricity generated by the passionate new entrepreneurs who come before the panel is amazing. And this year it will be really important to get across their plans for sustainability in these challenging economic times – as well as their entrepreneurial spirit! In our day to day work at EiA we nurture emerging talent in youngsters who are still in education and it is thrilling that there are opportunities such as this once they do get started in business”

Interested in entering for 2009?

This year, the entrepreneur who can convince the judges he or she has the vital X-Factor for success will pocket £25,000 for their new business, courtesy of HSBC.

There will also be £10,000 cheques for the best new Green business putting the environment at the top of its agenda, the best new business set up by a Graduate*, and the best new business achieving Export Success.

You must be running a business that has been trading for less than three years as of 2nd March 2009 or have a business idea* that you intend to launch within 12 months from 2nd March 2009. (*Only open to university students or post-graduate students who have graduated in the 12 months prior to 2nd March 2009.)

www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk/about-the-awards

IBM helps students ahead of Diploma choices

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Last week seventy students from schools and the FE college in Hounslow came together at IBM’s UK Headquarters at Bedfont Lakes to gain a vivid insight into the IT Industry.

About to decide whether to opt for the new 14-19 IT Diploma being launched, Year 9 and College students heard from British Airways, The Army and the London Borough of Hounslow, as well as IBM, on how their Businesses use IT and how careers develop. They then responded to ‘challenges’ in small project teams, facilitated by an EiA business coach, with winning teams presenting at an evening finale, in front of the Mayor and parents.

One parent commented:

“This workshop in IT for the school children is really instrumental in motivating, channelling students’ aspirations in life. IT has become an indispensable sector that everyone needs to have awareness about its application in day-to-day life. Thanks for this opportunity, we enjoyed this evening and learned a lot too!“

London Met � �From Nothing to Trading in a Day�

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA delivered an Enterprise day to 27 Undergraduates of all ages, with a wide range of expectations and aspirations, from a simple interest in the world of enterprise to those with a business plan in mind and aspirations to raise money on the AIM market.

This Programme was the first delivered to undergraduates by EiA as part of a developing relationship with London Metropolitan University. It was commissioned by the Student Services Department, and was the culmination of a week’s activities during Enterprise week.

The skill of the EiA Business Coaches ensured that all participants made a leap forward on the day.

"The event is one of the most valuable events in my life, which has given me a feel of real world trading experience" (Student at London Met)

Young Leaders for Safer Cities

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

180 young Black and Asian young 14-15 year olds drawn from across London gathered on a programme run by the Metropolitan Black Police Association, supported by EiA.

EiA was very pleased to be working again on this positive initiative, aimed at working at the heart of London towards making it a safer place, through working directly with young people who can be influencers on the ground.

As one of the BPA observers reported: “The event was very beneficial to the young leaders as they have enjoyed themselves and also learnt a great deal including communication and body language"

Royal Holloway for a 'Classroom to Boardroom'

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Gifted Maths year 12s converged on Royal Holloway for a 'Classroom to Boardroom' residential.

Last week seventy Year 12s, drawn from 30 schools from City Challenge Areas in Greater Manchester, London and the Black Country, came together for an amazing week’s residential summer school. They developed their enterprise skills as well as their maths talent to work on how to adapt the tube system for the 2012 Olympics, whether to use fingerprints or other biometrics for identity cards and how to create an innovative popularity measure for music on the internet.

Lucy Parker, Chair, Talent and Enterprise Taskforce commented;

"The young people had so clearly gained confidence and demonstrated such enthusiasm about handling such a complex problem. I found the mix of business and maths problems build into the London Transport Challenge to be a fascinating example of real life learning."

A student added;

"The best parts were learning how to get along with everyone from different parts of the country. And knowing how maths is important in business. Thanks for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity."

Independent and State schools working together

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

One hundred and twenty gifted and talented students from Croydon’s independent and state schools converged at Trinity School to work together on challenges faced by Windsor Leadership Trust, Croydon Council and three other charities.

These Gifted and Talented students are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is important that they develop a sense of social responsibility – this programme was designed to challenge

“Learning about the challenges of leadership and having to present compelling presentations to executive boards is at least as valuable as anything they learn in a normal classroom environment”. This project has been an exciting one to be part of and will, for us at Trinity, provide the foundation for offering similar opportunities to all our students in the future." said Mark Bishop, the Head Trinity School.

Derek Browne profiled in The Independent

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Martin Baker interviewed Derek for the Business section of the Independent on Sunday...

Click Here To Read Article

SERCO partners with EiA

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Last week the second of two pilots commissioned by Serco, one of the world's leading service companies, was run at Southwark College, with 16/17 years olds working on how to tackle the 'digital divide'. Serco fielded 7 executives for the student boardroom presentation, 2 MD's, the HR Director and a mix of other senior personnel.

The panel were very impressed with the quality of both the presentation and the student Q&A. Earlier in the year a different group, from Walworth Academy, developed a recruitment marketing strategy to encourage others to join the company.

The students from year 10 delivered an outstanding presentation, challenging the very impressed executive panel on the design of their marketing strategy.

From Classroom to Boardroom at Trinity School in Croydon.

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

100 ‘Young Gifted and Talented’ students from schools in Croydon and Lambeth participated in our programme, ‘From Classroom to Boardroom’ at Trinity School in Croydon.

This was arranged with the support of the national ‘Young Gifted and Talented’ Programme, for which EiA is now an accredited supplier

They were set challenges by:

Croydon Police to design a fund raising event for the innovative Youth Justice Centre in Croydon, first of its sort in Europe

Lambeth Police on how to use new media to improve recruitment of ethnic minorities

London Coaching Foundation on promoting careers in coaching

Croydon Educational Services on how schools can prepare young people with the enterprise skills needed for 21^st century Britain.

Academy students look at Youth Crime

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Last week Year 10s from Walworth, Paddington and Walthamstow Academies came together at Imperial College, South Kensington, to work with EiA coaches on a challenge on how to tackle youth crime.

It was set by London’s Youth Justice Board, facilitated by the Government Office for London. The students highlighted as memorable the strong teamwork developed, one student fed back, ‘Now I know that I can be a good leader’ and the teachers were very positive about how the ‘Gifted and Talented’ youngsters explored their personal skills and styles.

Shanaaz Carroll, Head of Business and Enterprise for Government Office London commented;

“I was particularly impressed with the enthusiasm of the students and their overall commitment to getting engaged in the subject.”

Sports Enterprise week in Kent

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Phil Smith, Director of First Artist Corporation and a top sports and business agent yesterday gave an inspiring talk to 50 talented 14-16 year olds from Castle Community College Deal.

This, as part of a demanding and innovative EiA sports enterprise programme led to a huge leap in confidence reported by every single student.

The objective of the Sports Enterprise Programme was to help students build on their raw sporting talent by developing increased personal and enterprise skills, improved motivation, a better understanding of the business of sport as well as understanding the motivation and psychology required to compete, so that they reach their true sporting potential - “A future built on Sport”

New Employer Engagement for the 14-19 Diploma

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Croydon schools try out a different approach to Employer Engagement for the 14-19 Diploma world ahead EiA delivered 7 week-long Business Challenges in 4 Croydon secondary schools in February and March 2008.

The aim was to give the students a real taste of the business world and to help the Year 8 students make better choices in one year’s time as they would then have the option to select one of the new 14-19 Diplomas, specialising in either Engineering or Creative and Media. There was also a year 10 group who would be making a similar choice for 16+ at level 2 or 3.

Five groups worked on challenges related to the emerging Creative & Media Diploma, and a range of businesses were engaged to set the challenges in fashion, photography and music. The other two related to the Engineering Diploma: one researched industry roles, and the other worked on a task set by EDF Energy.

The project was supported by London Challenge as part of a series of initiatives to test models of employer engagement, one of the key elements of the new Diplomas.

Croydon schools try out different approach to Employer Engagement for the 14-19 Diploma world ahead

EiA delivered 7 week-long Business Challenges in 4 Croydon secondary schools in February and March 2008.

The project was supported by London Challenge as part of a series of initiatives to test models of employer engagement, one of the key elements of the new Diplomas.

A teacher at Edenham High commented;

“The pupils were taught a lot about presenting themselves well which will be very useful for interviews in the future. They learnt a lot about business and working in teams, which they did in practice, which has reinforced the learning. They all gained in confidence and enjoyed themselves enormously”

Croydon schools try out different approach to Employer Engagement for the 14-19 Diploma world ahead

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Last week EiA completed the delivery of 7 week-long Business Challenges in 4 Croydon secondary schools giving students a taste of Employer Engagement in the 14 – 19 Diploma world of Engineering and Creative and Media.

EiA delivered 7 week-long Business Challenges in 4 Croydon secondary schools in February and March 2008.

The aim was to give the students a real taste of the business world and to help the Year 8 students make better choices in one year’s time as they would then have the option to select one of the new 14-19 Diplomas, specialising in either Engineering or Creative and Media. There was also a year 10 group who would be making a similar choice for 16+ at level 2 or 3.

Five groups worked on challenges related to the emerging Creative & Media Diploma, and a range of businesses were engaged to set the challenges in fashion, photography and music. The other two related to the Engineering Diploma: one researched industry roles, and the other worked on a task set by EDF Energy.

The project was supported by London Challenge as part of a series of initiatives to test models of employer engagement, one of the key elements of the new Diplomas

Foyer Federation - 'Big Enterprise Challenge'

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA delivered a 1-day Enterprise programme with 21 very keen young people, some of whom had come from as far as Wigan and Exeter!

This Programme was the first delivered by EiA as part of a developing relationship between Entrepreneurs in Action, the Foyer Federation (the umbrella body for UK Foyers) and DSGi (the corporate parent of Dixons, Curry’s and PC World in the UK). DSGi were sponsoring this as part of ‘Switched on Communities’, a 3-year (06-09) community investment programme to support disadvantaged local communities in which DSGi operates. The aim is to provide technologies and training to disadvantaged young people, ‘‘switching them on’ to learning, unlocking their potential and enabling them to take responsibility for their own development as engaged citizens and consumers.

They learnt about Business Enterprise Branding and then participated in an exciting and energetic ‘Trading Game’

East Potential Foyers � �Construct your career�

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

This Programme was a first for EiA, developed with East Potential, based in Newham, who run Foyers in East London. Foyers provide accommodation, training and employment opportunities for young people aged 16-24.

The 2-day programme, delivered in November 2007, was developed specifically to work with a small group of 12 young foyer residents, who were considering signing up for the East Potential Construction programme. It was targeted to:

 Look at themselves and their motivation
 Give them an insight from Managers in the Construction Industry, and, through an Enterprise Challenge, get a feel for what the business is about

"It was a very good day – well put on, and the question time was good. Most of the young people were very interested in the subject, very responsive and interacted really well" Representative from construction firm Axis Europe)

Lilian Baylis - 'In the City Challenge' Stage 2

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

In October 2007 EiA followed up the very successful ‘In the City’ Business Challenge with nine one-day Enterprise workshops for 215 year 8 and 9 students. These were fun, (extremely) high energy, and enhanced students’ understanding of enterprise. The trading game in particular brought out their creativity, entrepreneurial enthusiasm and focus on the marketplace.

"I have learned how to advertise things and get word around. I have also learnt that I want to open my own Beauty Salon and Spa" (student at lilian Baylis)

Metropolitan Black Police Association - Raising Your Game!

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

This Programme was delivered in August 2007 on the final day of a 6 day residential programme launching a roughly 1 year initiative by the Metropolitan BPA YOYAGE team (Voice of Youth and Genuine Empowerment) to create a better relationship between BME (black and ethnic minority) communities and the Metropolitan Police. It aims to develop young community leaders from the 75 year 9 and 10 BME students from London schools. The central aim of the programme was to develop young people with greater social responsibility and leadership capacity.

EiA ran a Raising Your game’ motivational programme

"My goals - I need to get them high, my confidence, and my communication skills" (Student on the programme)

Hounslow Creative and Media 14 � 19 Diploma Launch

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

London Challenge commissioned EiA in the summer of 2007 to support three London Boroughs’ countdown to the launch of the new 14 –19 Diplomas, starting in Sep 2008.

The Hounslow 14-19 Creative and Media Diploma Delivery Group was already very focused, but welcomed EiA’s innovative approach to launching their first Diploma to students and parents. In November 2007 EiA designed and facilitated an afternoon and evening event attended by 120 students, mainly year 9s, joined at the end by their parents. The timing was carefully chosen to help the young people as they were starting to think about subject choices ahead in the New Year, with a new untested option, the 14-19 Diploma, available for the first time.

Hounslow Education and Business Partnership (HEBP) introduced five Business participants - JWT Advertising, Richmond Theatre, BSkyB, The Institute of Contemporary Music and West London Business.

The Creative and Media Industry is not one industry but many, and these 5 businesses were selected to give an insight into five key sub sectors: Advertising, Performing Arts, TV, Music and Art. The Event broke down into five parts:

 An open forum gave all the students an overview of all 5 sectors
 Smaller seminars gave them more depth in one of them
 A Hi Speed Enterprise Challenge competition gave small teams a chance to get a hands on feel for what a task in that industry might look and feel like
 The winners presented to all students teachers and parents
 Key consortium members, introduced by Clive Lissaman of the Sector Skills council, Skillset, then explained how the Diploma could lead to careers in these industries

“I feel it is positive for businesses to get involved in these events, it is always good to feel you have given something back, and it is clearly appreciated by those running the day. Very satisfying” (David Kerr from JWT)

Derek Browne is interviewed by smallbusiness.co.uk

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The website smallbusinesses.co.uk interviews Derek Browne to explore the lessons he has learned, the advice he would give to start-up companies and his motivations for becoming a social entrepreneur.

Read the full interview here:

www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/start-a-business/dont-miss/255499/lessons-learned-derek-browne-ceo-entrepreneurs-in-action.thtml

Employability day at Newham VIth form College

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

At Newham VIth form college (the NewVic) at Easter 2007 we ran an “Employability day”, on behalf of the sponsor, The Windsor Fellowship. Four businesses, Marks and Spencer, EDF Energy, Volo TV and London Met University, participated to give the students insights on what employers look for in applicants, and how to focus their long term career options in an Open forum, followed by smaller seminars.

The 90 A level and B Tec Students then participated in an energetic hands-on Hi-Speed Enterprise Challenge. From this 30 students were selected to join an Easter Vacation Business Challenge week. All the students were studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, and all the business executives we engaged with had a STEM focus, a key driver for the Windsor Fellowship, with support also coming from the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council (East London).

A Business Challenge week in Bexley

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

‘From the classroom to the boardroom’ sums up much of what EiA’s work is about. 120 Year 10 students from St Mary’s and St Joseph’s school in Bexley discovered first hand the effect that EiA can have on their academic & career aspirations.

The students were divided into groups and each given a separate business challenge by a different organisation. On the last day of the challenge, the young people faced the final hurdle of travelling to the City to present their ideas in the boardrooms of the respective organisations – Bexley Council, Lloyds TSB, Government Office London, Jobs Go Public, Public Technology and EiA as a business in its own right!

There was a dramatic increase in level of confidence in nearly 80 per cent of the students, and in their willingness and ability to work as part of a team. Our objective of opening these young people’s eyes to their own potential and encouraging them to pursue their dreams definitely seems to have been accomplished.

EiA link with Jamie Oliver's Fifteen foundation

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Derek Browne was closely involved during the series of Jamie’s Chef, broadcast on Channel 4 in early 2007, during which he helped finalists prepare their business plans and presentations to the trustees of the Foundation:

“I was employed by Fifteen Foundation to be the 4 finalists’ business mentor and coach over a 6 week intensive programme. My main responsibility was to get the graduates ready to understand what went into a business plan and then work with them to write their own plan and finally present it to a panel of investors including Jamie at the end of the programme. I spent one to two days a week with the graduates. It was an extremely challenging role, but I think the results will demonstrate that young talented people from challenging backgrounds can get into business.”

The winner, Aaron Craze, started running The Cock in Beazley End, Essex in November 06 and was quickly awarded an AA Rosette.

EiA Moves into Further Education Colleges

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The autumn term in 2006 saw EiA take the 1 day “Raising your Game” motivational programme to both Greenwich & Lewisham FE Colleges in December. It was designed to help the 90 students succeed at college and after, and to motivate them to aim to be self-starters, and raise their game to achieve their dreams, ambitions and goals.

EiA coached them on the basics of success, networking, self-analysis and, perhaps most crucially, the art of communication, to improve their personal day-to-day performance in and out of college.

We know from our evaluation that the vast majority of participants felt a much greater sense of motivation & direction after the programme.

“It was very interesting - down to the energy and obvious commitment of the team; they engaged the students” (teacher at Greenwich College)

Lilian Baylis - 'In the City Challenge'

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The “Apprentice”style scheme, called ‘In The City Challenge’, offered young people the chance to learn in the workplace. The project was designed to raise students’ aspirations whilst teaching them new and relevant skills. Over seven weeks, different groups of 25-30 students spent a week in an office in Holborn. The scheme was modelled on Swedish inner-city “Kunskapsskolan” schools, which are based in office blocks. In this office environment, student learning is stimulated by a mixture of independent study, teamwork and formal lessons.

Students from Lilian Baylis Technology School, in the London Borough of Lambeth, ranged in age from 11 – 15 years and included marginalised and disaffected young people as well as students identified as gifted and talented.

Each Monday the participating company set the students a business challenge, such as how to protect personal identity on the internet or how to engage more young people in politics. For the next four days the students researched the challenge, assisted by EiA coaches. At the end of the week the students presented their solutions to senior managers from the company. The companies involved included EDF Energy, RM Plc, Place Group, Garlik, a new on-line personal identity company and PublicTechnology.net,

The project attracted the attention of “Apprentice” winner Tim Campbell who visited the students in their Holborn office and was impressed by their ideas.

Some of the young people’s ideas have been adopted by the companies. The students developed self-belief, and skills in presentation, team working and problem solving.

“The students have come back with a far greater self belief, because they have achieved something quite amazing.” (Gary Phillips, Headmaster at Lilian Baylis Technology School)

The Telegraph interviews Derek Browne

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

The Telegraph's Martin Baker interviews Derek Browne on the challenges of moving from the world of private banking to the public sector.

Just why did Derek Browne leave the City to become a social entrepreneur and found Entrepreneurs in Action?

How did he become a pioneer in the education space after having been the "cheeky kid at the back of the class"?

Read the full story here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2934902/School-drop-out-teaches-a-lesson-in-ambition.html

Inner City Students Challenged at Cambridge University

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Th Specialist Schools Trust funded an innovative project idea developed by EiA to take a group of inner city students to Cambridge University over the Easter holidays for a residential entrepreneurial camp.

Students from 3 London schools - Parkview Academy, Stoke Newington High School and Central Foundation School for boys - were invited onto the programme, each selecting several students to send.

Once at Cambridge the students were quickly placed into the world of business and work began almost immediately. After 2 days of sessions covering a variety of topics, from networking skills to marketing and personal finance, the students were ready for their business challenges.

The challenges were set by both Barclays Bank and Angel Trains. Students were divided into four groups so that two teams competed against each other to present the best solution to the problems set by the businesses. Marketing challenges were chosen by each of the businesses, requiring the students to thrash out what they thought both companies needed in order to attract a younger clientele.

Over the course of a day, the students worked in groups to research and design promotional materials for their new products, to be presented the following day. The presentations - a mix of power point presentations and role play - were made to an audience of 50 and a film crew captured the experience. The feedback was extremely positive, it being universally agreed that the presentations were of a very high standard.

Stockwell Park School take part in enterprise programme

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA works with Lambeth school to raise students aspirations through enterprise programme.

EiA was funded to deliver an innovative 3 term project working with a combined group of students from year 9 and 10 over 3 terms from Stockwell Park School. The highlight of the programmes was the succesful funding of all 5 groups who presented their business ideas to a panel of independent professionals, ranging from an accountant, to the head of Enterprise at the Government Office for London.

EiA encouraged the current generation of school children to be more enterprising. The children formed teams and worked through a programme covering the history of entrepreneurship from the industrialism of monks to the present day.

The group learned the principles of advertising in a session with PR guru and former chairman of top PR branding specialist QBO Bell Pottinger, Trevor Morris. The students were split into groups and tasked to develop a modern day advert around the enterprising skills of the monks.

The weekly course started before school. It covered a number of important business areas including business planning, financial management, marketing, and business development. They were also supported via Business Incubator Sessions , which took place after school hours.

During the early stages of the programme it was clear that many of the "disaffected" pupils involved in the project were shining and the school has decided to keep all groups together as a result of the progress EiA made with them.

The groups participated in a "live" pitch to an independent panel, which included London Accord Chief Executive, Mike Richardson. The winning group from the advertising competition, which took place between the students, had the opportunity to spend a half day at one of the UK's leading advertising companies. They presented their winning advert to the Chairman in the board room of Advertising Agency , Bartle, Bogle, Hegarty (BBH). They also got the chance to spend the afternoon at the agency to see how a live advert is put together.

Subsequently three groups were awarded £500 each to turn their concepts into real commercial opportunities.

Ending Exclusion Through Entrepreneurship

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Eia was one of 22 successful bids of 440 applications for funding under a Gordon Brown initiative for this innovative entrepreneurial programme. There has been increasing concern and focus by both government and local authorities about effective engagement strategies for young people from the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) group. 'Ending Exclusion Through Entrepreneurship' was developed by EiA, and engaged a group of young people from the Southwark area of South London over 12 weeks.

The EiA led coalition was funded by the Department of Trade and Industry to work with young adults aged 16-25 at risk of social exclusion to develop and put into practice their business ideas. The project aimed to legitimise business concepts encouraging the young people to be law abiding, value adding members of the economy.

The students were encouraged to follow up their ideas after the programme:

One student's media business won a contract to film a regional Duke of Edinburgh concert.
Two students showed effectrive networking - after pitching their business idea to a DJ from a London based radio station owned by Capital Radio they were invited to join the DJ on prime time breakfast radio and pitch their business to London. They also took the opportunity to make contact with Ms Dynamite and MOBO founder Kanya King. As a result of the work on the programme, the young adults received a nationally recognised qualification (The Life Skills Duke of Edinburgh Award, Bronze Level) and earned the right to present their idea to one of the UK's leading entrepreneurs from the music business.

Birmingham enterprise, DfES pathfinder

EIA — 1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

EiA was the lead party in coordinating and running the business challenge support of this project. EiA was responsible for developing, compiling and submitting the bid to the Department of Education and Skills, making it the biggest pathfinder project in Britains

As a result of the project over 800 students each year in 2004/2005 across 10 schools in Birmingham had the opportunity to develop their individual enterprise skills and receive a recognised certificate as a result of their efforts. They also forged the beginnings of potentially lasting links with key businesses.

"It raised awarness of what enterprise means in a truly practical and meaningful way. It brought real life problem solving situations into the classroom and made the students respond in a very adult way" (Ruth Harker, Head Teacher at Bournville School)

"I was able to stand up and have more confidence in myself and I had fun" (student at Bournville School)