Following on the triumph of last year’s first ever Youth Enterprise Summit, there was no hesitation in organising a second one.
The focus group, consisting of young people from across Yorkshire, have given the 2014 event the theme of the ‘Big 13 Enterprise Skills’ – focusing on how these qualities are implemented by young entrepreneurs, young people in the workplace and school students, linking to the City of Culture 2017.
The event will star local young entrepreneurs and feature BBC Apprentice Runner up Ruth Badger.
Upon confirming her attendance at the Summit, Ruth said, “Hull is a city that does, not a city that talks. Business is about learning from your mistakes and believing in yourself. The Yorkshire Youth Enterprise Summit 2014 is a unique opportunity to do all of this in one day.
"I believe in giving young people every opportunity to further their enterprising dreams and that is why I cannot wait to share my own story here on the 5th June.”
Jane Disbrey, Headteacher at Malet Lambert High School said, “Supporting our students and enriching the educational offer to enable them to thrive is key to us as school leaders. The work of the Youth Enterprise Team supports our young people as they head towards participation in the world of work. Our students benefit from this life enhancing experience.”
Event host and Youth Enterprise Partnership Ross Bennett said, “We had over 200 delegates attending the summit in 2013, and there was an immense buzz afterwards.
"The opportunity for people to come together and share knowledge, ideas and stories is crucial for future growth. It was fantastic to hear the stories of over 20 young entrepreneurs – many still in school – and appreciate their outstanding individual efforts and success.”
One such entrepreneur is Year 8 student Harry, winner of Badger’s Sett Enterprise Challenge 2013. He created his own product, Hull’s Top Trips, to win the competition, a card game based on Top Trumps that promotes tourist destinations in Hull.
He’ll be giving a speech at the Youth Enterprise Summit, all about his journey so far and what he wants to do next.
He said, “I’m looking forward to speaking at the summit - i’m not nervous at all. I’m working on my speech at the moment which will include parts about my business, how I started it up and how young people can become young entrepreneurs.
"Representing my school on stage makes me feel very proud. I also hope I can take some inspiration away from speeches by other businessmen and women to help me with my business.
“The next stage for me is to get my product ready to sell, especially after Hull won City of Culture status."