From a very early age I knew that I wanted to run my own business. Prior to becoming an MP, that is exactly what I did, yet I was one of the lucky ones: lucky enough to have small business owners for parents. Dinner table discussions would involve profit margin, up-selling and the all important haggling – skills that I absorbed and that stood me in good stead as I set off down the road to business ownership.
I say I am one of the lucky ones. Many people aspire to run their own business, especially young people. I visit schools and colleges in Swindon and the enthusiasm for business is palpable. Then I ask who will run a business. At this point, the enthusiastic hands go down. Why, I ask? Because we don't know how.
Herein lies the problem. I did a business degree, yet I owned a business despite, not because of this. Indeed, of the 350 students on my course, I was the one who became a business owner. Business skills are learned, not in a classroom, but through practical experience. Young people are reluctant to risk giving it a go as there is no clear career path, no 'how-to' guide that a university degree can seem to offer.
Changing this is something I am determined to do, at least for young people in Swindon. That is why I set up my young entrepreneurs' scheme with the Blunsdon Market and the first teams, from Swindon College, got their first taste of business this week.
The seven teams were each given £10 seed money. I visited them a few weeks back with some willing business mentors to help them brainstorm ideas and it was incredible to see the way they brought them to life. We had everything from a 1950s themed cake stall to a team doing henna tattoos. For most, this was their first taste of business and in the tough trading environment that is the Blunsdon Market, I certainly threw them in at the deep end! Yet I was overwhelmed by how quickly the bartering started, the up-selling and the special offers. They were sold out by 1.30pm and raised over £700 for Prospect Hospice.
What I hope the students take away from the experience is the confidence and know-how to follow their business dreams and I can't wait to see teams from other schools and colleges in Swindon give it a try. I have negotiated reduced pitches at the Market for those who wish to come back in the summer holidays and through the Government's start up funding, there are 'pop up shop' opportunities in the Town Centre too which I hope some will consider. Many of the great market empires started life on a market stall. Let's give the next generation the opportunity to start theirs.
Justin and Cllr Renard with Team 'Double Trouble'
With Team 'Art Creations'
You can see all the photos from the event here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.445119245565577.1073741826.173310676079770&type=1&l=4bc990dfaa
