A group of year 10 entrepreneurs from James Calvert Spence College have come second place in the nationwide Tycoon Enterprise Competition!

Back in May, the brilliant team (known as ‘Lights Clouds & CO’) entered the competition, with the idea of selling self-sufficient plants. They designed and created a terrarium for the plants, that allows them to thrive for over a month without being watered.

The Peter Jones Foundation delivers the tycoon competition and encourages young people to think about business. Those who apply write a business plan, which if approved are loaned money to start a business and compete with other student companies.

The group were successful and got approval from the foundation to use the money to set up shop.

They worked extremely hard making and selling their plants at the Amble Harbour Car Boot Sale every weekend. They also set up stalls at school events.

Their hard work paid off when in July, they made it to the final 12 out of 300 businesses. The finals were to be held in Hampton Court Palace.

The group set off to London on Thursday 21st September, leaving Amble at 4 am. They travelled from Newcastle Central Station to London King’s Cross.

Mr Gaines and Mr O’Neil accompanied the finalists on their journey.

‘Lights Clouds & Co’ at London King’s Cross Station

Lights, Clouds & Co arrived at Hampton Court Palace, where they competed in the finals. The group had to sell their idea to judges and Peter Jones himself.

James Calvert Spence College were awarded national runners-up – winning the award for both KS3 and KS4.

Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones awarded them their trophy. He said that the number of students entering the competition could fill Wembley Stadium!

They have worked hard and aimed high! JCSC are so proud of them, well done team!

They finished their fantastic day in London with a guided tour of the Hampton Palace itself – a great end to a great day.

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