Enterprise Is The New Rock and Roll

So said Theo Paphitis, of BBC's Dragon Den, at the launch of a new Honours Degree in Enterpreneurship launched in Leeds recently; and a group of eight aspiring entrepreneurs from Tollbar 6th Form travelled to the launch and met the Tycoon-turned-TV star. Paphitis, owner of retail chains such as La Senza and Rymans, was in Leeds to endorse the new course being delivered by the University of Huddersfield from September 2008. During a 50 minute presentation to over 400 students from across Yorkshire and the Humber, he explained what had motivated him to enter business and how important it is to learn from your mistakes, as well as from other entrepreneurs. "If I could have studied this course, I'd have made better decisions throughout my business career," he said.

One Tollbar student, Daniel Bennett, asked Theo if he ever felt disappointed that some of his fellow TV Dragons were wealthier than he was. "You must be kidding," replied Theo, "if you've got millions in the bank and you're lying on a beach, you aren't going to worry if someone else has more money than you. You'll still feel pretty successful."

Theo also offered some good advice to anyone thinking of setting up a new business, "Don't worry about the money - just strive to be successful and do the best that you can and, believe me, the money will soon follow you."

The BA (Hons) course is an innovative programme that guides students through the process of setting up their own business. By the end of the three year course, graduates will have a degree and their own functioning company.

Daniel Taylor studies Economics at Tollbar and even introduced himself to Theo during a networking session. " I asked Theo if I could contact him in the future to help me set up my own business. He gave me his business card and told me to get in touch. I shall definitely be doing so!"

Daniel Taylor, Charlie Hill, Tom Douglas, Tom Pestell, Liam Norton, Sam Smith, Dan Bennett and Matt Nicholson all study Business and/or Economics at Tollbar 6th Form and all are keen to continue studying Business or Economics at University. They travelled with Business Studies teachers, Nick Wragg and Vince Groak.

Mr Groak said it was a very worthwhile visit. "It's always good to take students out of the classroom to events like these. It was held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds which has been a catalyst for regeneration in South Leeds, which the students found very interesting. More importantly they had the opportunity to gain first hand advice from a successful entrepreneur such as Theo Paphitis. The profile of enterprise has never been higher, due in part to shows such as Dragons' Den, so Theo may well be right that Enterprise is the new Rock and Roll!"