PUBLISHED 05 November 2020
Following on 5 years of unprecedented success, budding entrepreneurs from Year 12 have entered this year’s Tycoons in Schools competition. A feature of the early stage of the Tycoons experience is presenting to the knowledgeable Ladies Luncheon Club Committee. AKS’s version of the ‘Dragons Den’ offered the students the chance to pitch their ideas and face searching questions about pricing, packaging, logistics, sustainability and their charitable involvement. Unfortunately, the LLC have suspended their meetings for the foreseeable future, so this year’s cohort have missed out on this unique experience. However, I would like to publicly thank LLC for the great support and advice they have given.
According to every TV advert for banks and financial institutions these ‘are uncertain times’ but part of the challenge of Tycoons is to adapt and problem solve. I have been really impressed by the research and preparation that has gone into forming their enterprises, one business plan was particularly outstanding. As ever, the enthusiasm for their first sales is awaited with anticipation, there are some tricky trading conditions and the groups have changed their business models this year and I wish them the best of luck over the next 7 weeks.
We have 4 groups this year – Mission Masks, That’s a Wrap, Retro Records and A Sign of the Times. Here is a look at Mission Masks and That’s A Wrap:
That’s a Wrap (Instagram: that’s.a.wrap20) create different hampers for all ages – with a selection of homemade gifts ideal as a gift for relatives for Christmas. To widen their market, they have even designed ones for ages 4+ . A charming promotional video can be viewed here. Their profits will go to EPCAT – a charity against the trafficking of children.
Mission Masks @missionmask are selling facemasks with company logos. 500 AKS masks with 2 different designs will be arriving in the first few days of half term, and this group has been gaining orders from local businesses. An enterprise that this time last year would not have existed. All profit will go to Trinity House and this continues the very close relationship with AKS Tycoons and the local hospice with over £4000 donated.
News of Retro Records (already in profit!) and A Sign of the Times to follow very soon.
Graeme McIntyre
Head of Business Education