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Gazelle College students grill world-class entrepreneurs in Liverpool

Students from across the UK had the chance to interview some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs as part of ACCELERATE 2013.

Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales, School for Startups founder Doug Richard, and Betfair co-founder, Ed Wray spoke to students from Gazelle Colleges in Gateshead, North Hertfordshire and Barking and Dagenham.

Students were able to quiz the experts on a wide range of subjects, including how to get started in business, what types of failure they’d encountered and how to structure a company, as a part of the Further Education conference.

The event ran in parallel with ACCELERATE 2013, which brought the country’s fastest growing businesses together in Liverpool on 27th June.

Three student businesses also had the opportunity to pitch to a panel of digital experts, including entrepreneur and investor, Hugh Chappell, chief of Neon Play, Oli Christie, and Sarah Wood, co-founder and chief operating officer of UNRULY.

Gazelle College students were also encouraged to develop an on-the-spot idea for a social enterprise, which was then pitched to Ella’s Kitchen founder, Paul Lindley, who then fed back and selected the best business concept.

Kieran Wright, Barking & Dagenham College student, said: “Being a part of a Gazelle college gives us opportunities to present our ideas and gives us a massive leap forwards. We’ve been entered into three different competitions for our idea thanks to Gazelle. I’m very happy that we’re part of Gazelle Colleges Group.”

Other speakers included Gen. Sir Mike Jackson, former chief of the General Staff, Thea Green MBE, founder of nails inc. and Sean Fitzpatrick, legendary former All Blacks captain while StartUp Britain co-founder Oli Barrett MBE compered the event.

Elaine Bowker, principal and chief executive of Gazelle Colleges Group member, Liverpool Community College, said: “At ACCELERATE 2013 we heard from some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs about what it takes to succeed in business.

“What students need above all is opportunity - to start out in business, and learn how to succeed. Gazelle Colleges give young people those opportunities.

“Entrepreneurship will play a significant role in the future of our young people. At Gazelle Colleges, students are getting the chance to create their own businesses, and gain the skills and mindset they need to succeed in the workplace.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .