Pupils from a school in Twickenham have been given the chance to create their own mini businesses in an enterprising venture backed by a local pub.
 
The youngsters from St Stephen’s CE Primary School have received funding and business mentoring from local pub, The Fox, part of the Bermondsey Pub Company.
 
During the spring term, the 10 and 11-year-old pupils were challenged to come up with their own business ventures and take part in a range of commercial activities, including pitching business ideas, looking at product development, costings, budgeting, marketing and sales and business planning
 
The courses are being run by Stride Ventures as part of a Putting Young Minds to Work project this academic year. The organisation, which aims to open young people’s minds to the world of business and enterprise, plants the seeds of entrepreneurship, stimulates business awareness, and introduces employability skills in a fun, relevant and memorable way.
 
During the Putting Young Minds to Work programme, pupils work in teams to create their own businesses, set-up with a loan of up to £40.
 
The pupils were introduced to the course by Ed Nutting, manager of The Fox, part of Bermondsey Pub Company, who was able to share his own career and business insights.
 
Ed said: “The children at St Stephen’s were charming, and I was taken off-guard with how incisive their questions were; there was clearly a real interest amongst them. Perfect Pitch was my opportunity to turn the tables, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s a fantastic program, and I can see these children growing up to achieve big things.”

For the grand finale, local MP Dr Tania Mathias joined the panel of judges, alongside Young Enterprise Sixth Formers from Orleans Park, Luke Airey and Alfie Ludlow.

Stride was founded in 2014 by Elena Macia and Nikki de Bruin, who have more than 26 years’ business experience between them, and in the past year the project has inspired more than 200 pupils to start up their own mini-businesses.
 
Elena said: “It’s fantastic that Bermondsey Pub Company is supporting something which helps teach business values to children. The Government and education experts are all saying this is a growing problem, and there is a lack of funding for this type of learning, which is why support from companies such as Bermondsey Pub Company is key in being able to bridge that gap.”
 
Bermondsey Pub Company Managing Director Paul Harbottle said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Stride for the second year running. This is an enjoyable and invaluable scheme, which has been very well received by our pub managers and staff. 
 
“As well as giving pupils fantastic business and enterprise experience, our involvement underlines our commitment to business education and supporting and promoting all our people.”
 
For further information on Stride Ventures, please contact:
 
Elena Macia ​ ​Tel: 07803 207 425​Email: elena@stride.ventures

Article supplied by Elena Macia