Lord Sugar

Question and Answer session with business guru Lord Sugar is on offer to finalists in a new national challenge to find the UK’s most enterprising young people. 

The Apprentice star will be turning his attention to a younger audience when he appears at the final of The National Enterprise Challenge, a newly launched competition for school children aged between 11 and 15. 

The National Enterprise Challenge is being run by Youth Enterprise CIC, a not for profit organisation, which aims to raise the aspirations of young people across the UK. 

The challenge has the backing of Claire Young, a runner-up in the Apprentice 2008 who will be a partner for The National Enterprise Challenge 2013. 

Lord Sugar said: “The National Enterprise Challenge gives schools the opportunity to harness their pupils’ key employability skills. It gives students the opportunity to test themselves on a national level and businesses the chance to support the next generation of budding entrepreneurs. 

“I am delighted to have been asked to be keynote speaker at the finals night in July and look forward to seeing many talented young people there. Best of luck with your challenges, everybody.” 

Oli Docksey, Director of Youth Enterprise CIC, commented: “The National Enterprise Challenge is all about encouraging British secondary school pupils to aim high and realise their potential. 

It is fantastic that Lord Sugar has agreed to join us.  He will host a Questions and Answers session with finalists and present the winners with their awards. 

We also have entrepreneur Claire Young on board. Having faced Lord Sugar across the boardroom table, Claire has gone on to forge a successful career inspiring young people through her School Speakers organisation.” 

Claire Young added: “I’m thrilled to be involved in the National Enterprise Challenge. Employers are crying out for young people to have the 13 enterprise skills, such as teamwork, leadership, thinking on your feet and communication, and this challenge embodies all of these. I wish all the students good luck and look forward to seeing the winning teams in London soon. Go for it!” 

The National Enterprise Challenge has two age categories for pupils in Years 7 and 8 (aged 11 to 13) and years 9 and 10 (aged 13 to 15). 

Entry will be limited to 100 schools, which will each be guaranteed one place in the finals. 

“Internal competitions will be hosted by The National Enterprise Challenge coaches in each school and the winning team will go through to the London event,” explained Oli. 

“We are looking for applications from schools but also want to hear from companies who want to support The National Enterprise Challenge.” 

Youth Enterprise CIC is experienced in providing enterprise education to young people and has delivered programmes to over 40,000 students. These are events in which business leaders take over a school day to work with pupils on a series of realistic challenges based on running a business. 

The success of these school events has led to strong interest in the new national competition. Schools wanting to secure a place should contact Youth Enterprise CIC by telephoning 01782 367148. Further information is available online at www.nationalenterprisechallenge.co.uk. 

The National Enterprise Challenge finals will be held at the Troxy, East London in July 2013. 

ENDS 

For further information contact Ben Dyer on 07809484733 or email [email protected]