Josef is 'cool' young business star

SHEFFIELD, U.K. - Jan. 31, 2014 - PRLog -- Last night would-be entrepreneurs from across the country flocked to Sheffield city centre to pitch their ideas as part of 21 year-old entrepreneur Adam Bradford's hunt to find Sheffield's next young business star.

Finalists pitched their fledgling enterprises to aviation entrepreneur Jordan Glen, life coach Jayne Briggs, Suzy Cornwell-Ball from Sheffield Enterprise Programme, Janet Grant from the University of Sheffield and Adam himself.

Up for grabs was an offer of world-class mentoring, international contacts, publicity support and a cash prize. 17-year-old Josef Cool from Derby was crowned the winner after three gruelling hours of debate yesterday evening. He walked away with £500 towards his business, professional mentoring including business support and the chance to develop his 'Iz It Cool' brand internationally.

He will launch his range of organic, youth-focused body and skincare products in Sheffield in the coming months. His products carry positive messages which aim to inspire young people to be the best they can be in life. Joe's entrepreneurial career started aged 10 when he lived in the US, developing and producing motivational music tracks to encourage young people to take positive steps in their lives. Joe was also recently announced as vInspired's regional social entrepreneur of the year for his work inspiring young people like himself.

Organiser Adam Bradford said: 'All the judges agreed that Joe is a star in the making and his pitch was brilliant. Young people have a real opportunity to make their enterprising ideas into a viable career option and Joe is an example of exactly that. His business idea is trendy, marketable and a real inspiration to other young people and will make a massive impact on the people of Sheffield.'

On winning the contest Josef added: 'It was a great experience pitching to such a knowledgeable panel. They asked tough questions but gave me some fantastic tips and ideas.

My aim is to succeed in business and to make the Iz It Cool brand internationally famous.

Currently I am really excited about launching the concessions in Sheffield and particularly the mentoring and support I will get from the panel.

My plan now is to finalise the product labelling, the marketing material and brochures to go in the concessions.

I wish to inspire other young people to aim a little higher and to believe they can make it whatever their goals or aspirations for their lives; ultimately enabling young people to reach their full potential.'


Joe says he will have the next generation of world leaders, changemakers and international stars behind his company in the near future.