Business is a fast and competitive arena, but Coleg Gwent A Level students faced their fears and tested their tenacity when they faced a panel of business leaders in a Dragon’s Den-style enterprise competition.
Personalised mobile phone designs and children’s jewellery filled with healthy fruit juice were just some of the original ideas put to the panel by four student teams at Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus.
To ensure they were ready to face the three judges, former Biocell owner John Chandler, Managing Director of GD Environmental, James Norvill, and jewellery entrepreneur Lisa Floyd, students worked hard on researching budgeting, marketing and operational plans in preparation for the pitches.
“It takes confidence to stand up and present a new idea to experienced business people,” said Lecturer Julie Benson.
“The teams worked really hard to mould their visions into realistic proposals, and coped very well with the pressure of presenting.
“We are very grateful to the judges for giving up their time to judge the competition, and for the advice and experience they’ve given students.
“The activity helps students to think on their feet, increases their self-esteem, and gives them an opportunity to experience the world of business. Skills such as self-motivation, teamwork and independent research are all very valuable skills for their future careers and higher education.”
A Level student Nadine Symonds, 18, from Newport said: “Though nerve-wracking, it was a really good experience to present our research and ideas to the judges.
“It was great to hear about the world of business from people who have been very successful in enterprise.”
