Young Entrepreneurs Go Mobile

30 May 2008

As one of three education-sector partners chosen by the Borough’s enterprise team, with financial support from the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), Freebrough is working closely with pupils at primary schools across the rural East Cleveland area, giving them an opportunity to create their own products and then market them via mobile market stalls. Products include t-shirts and mugs are being sold in local towns and villages, engaging with communities and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship among those taking part.

Nick Dobbs, Extended School Manager at Freebrough College, said: “With financial support and mentoring from the LEGI programme, we’ve been able to put together a project that will really encourage an enterprising spirit among the young people of East Cleveland at different attainment levels.”

The initiative was launched recently at Skelton Primary, one of three local schools taking part in the first phase of the project, where the pupils are making merchandise for their local football team, canine clothing and smoothies to be sold in local markets. The various aspects of the project will help the participants to meet key targets in a number of academic subjects, including Maths.

Freebrough College students will also benefit from their role in the project, increasing their business awareness through hands-on experience, as well as developing their communication, literacy and numeracy capabilities. Students will work in teams with primary school pupils to devise a business idea which is then presented in a Dragon’s Den style meeting, before putting the idea into practice.

“We’re pleased to be taking part in the project, which is great example of local educational institutions working together for mutual benefit,” says Marie Cox of Skelton Primary School. “A culture of enterprise comes from being inspired at an early age and we’re hopefully laying the foundations for business people of the future.”

Freebrough is currently working with two schools, including Handale Primary School in Loftus, in addition to Skelton. Each participating school is responsible for publicising its own project and any profits are retained by the schools, giving an opportunity to improve the facilities and amenities available to all pupils.

“One thing I particularly like about the Freebrough project is that it promises to benefit young people at both primary and secondary levels,” said Cllr Mark Hannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development on Redcar & Cleveland Council. “This scheme offers tangible learning and personal development opportunities that will provide a real boost to all those taking part.”