Young entrepreneurs of Sheffield rise to the challenge

Jan. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Last Friday, would-be young entrepreneurs from across the city travelled to the Town Hall to Sheffield Entrepreneurs On Challenge.

The event, organised by rising business star Adam Bradford, a young entrepreneur himself, was part of Sheffield City Council’s Learnfest festival.

On the day attendees at the event heard the enthusiastic business story of River Tamoor Baig who runs his own business ‘Aspyre’ in the city. Guest speaker Vaughan Bailey inspired delegates with his story from becoming homeless at the age of 16 to winning the Mr England competition and starting a successful modelling career and running his own media networking business.

Young hopefuls between the ages of 11 and 25 years old pitched their businesses to Adam Bradford, well-known local entrepreneur Jill White, life coach Jayne Briggs and Janet Grant from the University of Sheffield. On offer was a cash prize of £500, a world-class mentor and business support alongside a chance at snapping up £5,000 worth of further investment into promising ideas. After a gruelling pitching session the judges joined Cllr Jackie Drayton, (Cabinet Member for Young People) and crowned Ross Horsley the big winner, for his alternative football apparel business. A representative for Adam commented: ‘All of the pitches were amazing and Sheffield truly rose to the challenge. Ross’ idea stood out the judges and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity to make his idea a success.’

An outstanding group of pupils from Silverdale School also wowed the judges and claimed an impromptu runner up prize. Their social enterprise sauce condiment ‘Ding Sauce’ pitched by Chris Parker and Harry James inspired the judges along with their impressive fundraising efforts raising over £200 through sauce sales for Neurocare; which is very important to them as their friend Jo Orpwood battled three brain tumours. They took home a £50 cash prize and a promise of additional mentoring advice and support in taking the product to the supermarkets.

Councillor Jackie Drayton commented that the event had been very inspiring and that it was warming to see young people with ambition to create their own futures on the day. Adam will now continue to take the challenge to London later in 2013.