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Tom (Rainer project worker) was really great with this offender, as he was very unmotivated when Tom first saw him, but the change in him has been significant and a key factor in him not re-offending

Probation Officer

Young people shine in Brixton's own 'Dragons Den'

2 June 2008

Six young people from south London treated a celebrity panel to a series of innovative and exciting business presentations, when they took part in a 'Dragon's Den' style event at Brixton Town Hall on Friday night [30 May].

 

The six teenagers have all completed a 12-week programme for young entrepreneurs, run by local charity Rainer and supported by News International.  Senior Staff from News International have lent their expertise to the Young Entrepreneurs programme by delivering a three-day workshop, in which young people were challenged to develop two basic business plan presentations based on their existing business ideas.  The workshop culminated in Friday's finale event, where each of the participants presented their ideas.

 

Tony Coverdale (16) won the event with his idea of a book on the issues of sexual health and sexual awareness, written by young people for young people.   He was chosen  by a high-profile panel, which included Tim Campbell -  the first winner of the TV series The Apprentice - and Levi Roots, a musician and entrepreneur who received funding for his Reggae Reggae sauce product when he appeared on the entrepreneurial TV-series Dragon's Den. 

 

Speaking after the event, Tony said:
"The Young Entrepreneurship Programme has been a great success.  Participation was brilliant as we had things we could actually take away from it at the end."

 

Raymond Cartland (15) who presented an innovative design for a baby's cot fitted with a baby monitor said:
"We had a brilliant time on the programme and I'd definitely like to see it continue and be rolled out to others.  I benefited a lot from the support of the News International Team."

 

Riane Benjamin (15), who designed a highly original and useful 'clip on' pencil case, said:
"The workshop was a brilliant idea that has opened up new doors which can help me be successful."

 

The judges said that choosing a winner had been difficult as the overall standard was so high, but that Tony had developed an excellent product and his research into the target market had been thorough and accurate.

 

Heather Loxley, the Rainer Regional Director for London said:
"We are extremely grateful to News International for giving up their time to work with our budding entrepreneurs.  It has been a priceless opportunity for our young people to take their creative ideas forward a step, and the results were certainly impressive!"

 

Ends


Notes to editors

  1. The Rainer Young Entrepreneurship programme engages young people in a series of activities that develop their motivation, confidence and business skills, empowering them to push their boundaries and pursue business opportunities.  The programme was supported by Lambeth Borough of London and Southwark Council Youth Offending Team. 
  2. The six young people who participated in the Young Entrepreneurship Programme and the News International Workshop were:
    Tony Coverdale (16), who designed a book on sexual health and awareness which would be written for and by young people
    Raymond Cartland (15), who designed a pram which would have a baby monitor and a speaker playing soothing baby sounds built into the frame. 
    Riane Benjamin (15), who pencil case which a student could attach to their desk and therefore allowed more space for papers and books.  The case featured a changeable stencil on which a young person could put a picture of their favourite celebrity and was designed to hold not only pens but also makeup and a mobile telephone if required.
    Danielle(15), who had the idea of setting up a community based youth project, accessible for all young people, which would provide a safe and secure space containing youth workers, pool tables, a chill out zone and a coffee bar.
    Earl J (15), who is a graphic designer, had designed a series of logos and computer graphics.  Following his presentation, Levi Roots offered him the opportunuity to design his next record cover.
    Katie (15), said in her presentation that she would like to set up a community centre which would take referrals from local government and work with young people who had special needs.
  3. The panel of judges were: Levi Roots, musician and entrepreneur; Tim Campbell, first winner of The Apprentice and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust; Heather Loxley, Rainer Regional Director for London; Sabrina Ben Salmi, founder of the Mobile Single Mothers Programme; and Ian Oliphant-Thompson, serial entrepreneur.
  4. Rainer Lambeth Youth Inclusion Programme (YIP) offers young people a route out of social exclusion by engaging them in a dynamic community-based programme.  The YIP, which is supported by Lambeth Youth Offending Team, works with a core group of 50 young people, who have been identified as being at risk of participating in anti-social and offending behaviour.  Rainer aims to tackle the risk factors that lead to offending behaviour, such as low self esteem, lack of educational attainment, family dysfunction, substance misuse and anti-social attitudes.
  5. Rainer is the national charity for under-supported young people.  We have contact with more than 18,000 young people and young adults in 115 communities across the country - including those who are at risk of family breakdown, in or leaving care, caught up in the criminal justice system, homeless, or outside education, training or employment. www.raineronline.org.