Search for young entrepreneurs launched in Cumbria

A scheme has been launched to search for entrepreneurs as young as five in Cumbria, with 20 schools from the county teaming up with businesses to help pupils develop business skills.

The Bright Stars 2017 scheme will begin on January 16 next year and will run until 13th March, giving pupils the opportunity to receive mentoring from a wide range of businesses.

Advice

The scheme, which was first launched in 2013 and is organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance in Cockermouth, will enable pupils to receive advice on a number of business topics, including accounting, marketing, manufacturing, teamwork, leadership and management.

Schools that will be taking part in this year’s competition include Grasmere Primary, Holy Family Catholic Primary in Barrow, Seascale School and St Begh's Catholic Junior in Whitehaven.

Businesses from a number of different sectors will be participating in the scheme and offering mentoring, including National Nuclear Laboratories, Allerdale Council, West Lakes Engineering, and accountancy and financial firm Armstrong and Watson.

Since the scheme was launched, young pupils have raised thousands of pounds for charity, and have won cash prizes for their schools.

Winners of this year’s competition will be announced on March 17 2017, with a celebration event following on April 5.

Value

Commenting on the scheme, Cumbria Primary Heads' Association Executive Officer, Alex Wilkinson, said: “I have been involved with Bright Stars since its inception – first as a head teacher and then as chair of the judging panel.

“I have seen the tremendous value it offers to the children, to teachers and to the companies supporting them.”