Competition heats up for ‘business dragons’ looking to reduce wheelie bin fires

[Newsdesk]

Students from across four schools in Wellingborough have been competing in a ‘Business Dragons’ initiative, together with the County’s Arson Task Force and Northamptonshire Education Business Partnership with the aim of reducing wheelie bin fires.

Competition between groups from Wrenn School, Friars School and Sports College, Sir Christopher Hatton and Weavers School has been heating up, as they get ready to go head to head and face tough-talking real life ‘Dragon’s’ in the competition, based on the hit TV programme, Dragons Den.

The students have been competing against each other to come up with an effective marketing strategy and publicity campaign that will serve to increase awareness of the issue and help reduce wheelie bin fires in Wellingborough.

The semi-finals are currently being carried out within the schools, with the finals being held on Thursday 18 March at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough. The entries will be contending for the winning prize, or stand a chance of winning best innovation or best presentation.

The fearless ’Dragons’ judging the entries on the day will include, Brand manager Nina Sargeant from Avon, Local entrepreneur Lisa Warner from Fink Cards, Chief Constable Adrian Lee from Northamptonshire Police, Chief Fire Officer Martyn Emberson from Fire and Rescue and Chief Executive David Willis from Wellingborough Homes.

Over 1,500 students across Wellingborough were initially invited to participate in Business Dragons, based on tackling wheelie bin fires across the local area.

The young entrepreneurs have since been working on projects that will either provide educational advice and awareness or they are making products which will help prevent future fires.

Throughout the project, experts from Northamptonshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, Northamptonshire Police, Wellingborough Homes, Connexions, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and local businesses have been engaging with the young entrepreneurs, supporting the development of their ideas and identifying the best solutions.

The project has been jointly funded by the police, Fire and Rescue Service, 14 – 19 Schools Partnership, Community Cashback Scheme, Wellingborough Homes and the Borough Council of Wellingborough.

Shaun Johnson, from the Arson Task Force, said: ”This project has really picked up momentum. We have some really good entries and the ‘Dragons’ are looking forward to observing each proposal.

“This project is particularly valuable as it involves young people and using ideas directly from the community to solve a local issue.

“It is also an exciting opportunity for young people and experienced ‘Dragons’ to work together in an innovative way to make Wellingborough safer.”