Newcastle start-up takes part in live TV debate

Newcastle entrepreneur Jessica McLean from start-up Baggers Originals has took part in a live televised debate on business, chaired by Michael Fallon at the Conservative Party Conference last week.

27-year-old Jessica was contacted by David Cameron’s team at 10 Downing Street after visiting the address as part of a delegation of young entrepreneurs.

The Northumbria University fashion graduate and part-time model said the experience gave her chance to present some of the problems start-ups face, including Baggers’ own cashflow issues.

She said: “They wanted a female member of the panel, which was made up of representatives from both new and established businesses, and it was such a fantastic opportunity that I didn’t hesitate.

“Michael Fallon was really friendly and I didn’t realise at the time but my Dad phoned me afterwards and told me they had actually gone to school together.”

She added: “When I met David Cameron at Downing Street I had given him three sets of Baggers for each of his children, and when I saw him again after the event at the party conference he told me his kids love wearing them, which was so great to hear.

“It was an honour to be asked to the event and without a doubt it was an amazing experience.”

Baggers Originals are raincoats and waterproof trousers for children that tuck into an attached pocket for carrying. Jessica relaunched her mother’s idea with funding from Start-Up Loans North East and Cumbria.

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