Member Article

17 year old Sheffield wool entrepreneur gets boost for his startup

A 17 year old entrepreneur from Stocksbridge in Sheffield, has received a cash boost and recognition from Deputy PM Nick Clegg after being shortlisted in the Edge Challenge.

Jack Crofts, 17, a Peter Jones Enterprise Academy student at The Sheffield College, has developed a company specialising in Vicuna luxury wool products.

He submitted a detailed business proposal including financial and marketing plans, alongside hopefuls from all over the country.

Six individual entries were shortlisted in the Edge Challenge, alongside three teams, and they were all invited to pitch their ideas to a panel in London. The final three individuals and two teams came to The Skills Show in Birmingham on Thursday November 13th.

Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg awarded Jack his £1,250 prize, which will go towards developing his business.

Jack said: “I’m really excited to have been involved in the Edge Challenge and coming second is a real achievement. I am so passionate about my product and this opportunity will help me turn my business idea into a reality.

“Meeting so many like-minded people has been very inspiring and made me determined to succeed as an entrepreneur.”

Julie Byrne, executive director, The Sheffield College, added: “Jack is an excellent role model. I would like to congratulate him on the success and inspirational progress he has made since starting the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy course with us.

“We have a strong reputation for enterprise education offering our students advice and support to develop and launch their start-up ideas.

“The enterprise skills they develop enhance their future prospects enabling them to set up a business, get into a career or move onto university.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .