Riding the wave

Nov 19 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

A NATIONALLY recognised training scheme introducing young people to the fast-moving world of business saw a group of innovative sports students “graduate” with honours from an intensive Dragon’s Den-style event that won praise from local business leaders.

Redcar & Cleveland College’s Ride the Wave programme, now in its fourth year, saw a record 200 students pitch their business ideas to a panel looking for evidence of team-work, good presentation and the ability to turn advice into a solidly thought-through business plan for their “blue sky” development companies.

Among the more outrageous product ideas was a one-pass beauty spray that “painted” the perfect body; temperature adjusted clothing that adapted to hot and cold conditions, and the ultimate in bachelor living aids - a combined wardrobe and washer-drier.

But it was the Stars R Golden group’s pitch for investment in an all-in-one hair styling and straightening tool in the Plunge event that impressed the judges - to such an extent that one member, 17-year-old Rachel Harston, was immediately offered mentoring with one of the business experts.

“I’d never done anything like that before and the first day I thought ‘What am I doing here?’” said Rachel. “I didn’t believe that somebody like us could come up with what we did.”

Simon Brown, MD of Middlesbrough’s digital company Calm Asylum and one of the business experts, was equally surprised by the quality of the ideas put forward.

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of effort and passion

being displayed by the students,” he said.

Turn to Page 2

From Page One

“Although it was a team competition there were one or two individuals who really stood out and I believe if they continue with the same drive and enthusiasm then they will become successful.”

Other local employers taking part included Corus, Refreshco and PD Ports.

Andrew Hatcher, MD of The Working Knowledge Group, which developed the programme with Redcar & Cleveland College, said bringing students and businesses together so they could “see the whites of each other’s eyes” gave business education a different dynamic.

“Programmes like Ride the Wave have a huge part to play in raising the aspirations and skills of our young people, while simultaneously highlighting the fantastic talent available to employers that exists in our colleges,” he said.

Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “The standard set by the students who took part in ‘The Plunge’ this year has really raised the bar in terms of the quality of their ideas and their flare for enterprise and business development.

“I have been really impressed by all of the entries that we have seen this week. I know that it was a hard decision for the judges to pick an overall winner, but the winning group showed that they had what it takes to be a real success in business and having developed so fast in just three days.

“Most importantly though, all the feedback we have received shows that the students have really enjoyed themselves and now have a clear insight into business start-up processes.

“Many of the employers involved have expressed their willingness to mentor and, in some cases, employ our students as a result of the programme. The programme, initially developed at Redcar and Cleveland College is also now being demanded by colleges nationally.”

Fellow students Scott Martin,19, Nathan Buckley, 18, Danny Harland,18 and Josh Young, 16, shared in the £200 cash win with Rachel.

The Ride the Wave programme recently won a national training award for the college.