Students raise incredible £1540 in our Business Builder Challenge

We put students from local schools to the test in our Dragon’s Den meets The Apprentice style challenge raising £1540 for Hospice care.
 
We launched the “Business Builder Challenge” in October 2024 where students teamed up, developed a business idea and pitched their products to a panel of local business leaders.
 
They then had eight weeks and a £50 budget to bring their business ideas to life under expert guidance from their chosen business leaders. Adam Fletcher from Ridley & Hall Solicitors, Karen Horner and George Lancaster from Handelsbanken PLC, Laura Kirk from Castleford Tigers and Claire Sutherley from We Are Wakefield all volunteered their time and knowledge to support and push each team forward.
 
On Monday 27 January 2025 the final event took place. It was hosted by Castleford Tigers and the awards were presented by a very special guest, the Mayor of Wakefield Cllr Darren Byford.
 
Four teams got into the final, one team from Carleton High School, one team from Halfpenny Lane Junior and Infant School and two teams from St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School. Halfpenny Lane emerged as the standout team securing three awards: Best Pitch, Most Innovative Idea and Most Income Generated. Carleton High School received the Highly Commended award for their outstanding effort.
 
Adam Fletcher from Ridley & Hall Solicitors, who helped guide the team from Halfpenny Lane said: “It was a tremendous privilege to have the opportunity to be involved in this year’s Business Builder Challenge. The children really did exceed my expectations providing excellent pitches, innovative business plans and a commitment to make their ideas a reality. A fantastic amount was raised by all the schools for the Hospice. The skills the children have developed during this process will certainly help them with their further studies and in the event they enter the world of business. I would encourage schools across the area to sign up for the 2025 Business Builder Challenge.”
 
Adrian Greenwood, Fundraising Manager said: “This initiative not only raised vital funds for the Hospice but also gave students valuable real-world business experience. We’re already working on the Business Builder Challenge 2025 with more schools eager to be part of this exciting experience.”
 
The challenge was kindly sponsored by Ridley & Hall solicitors and Handelsbanken PLC.