Bolton College hosted the Greater Manchester College Group (GMCG) enterprise competition towards the end of June.

The event brought together the region’s top young business minds, from the 10 colleges in the Greater Manchester area which form the GMCG. 

Business-savvy students had a baptism of fire as they pitched their entrepreneurial efforts to a panel of local judges fit for the Dragons’ Den.

The judges were looking for business plans that showcased a thorough understanding of a target market’s needs and provided a viable and profitable solution that would deliver results.

Sherry Ann Martin, Bolton College student,17, said: “The competition was a great way to showcase our business talents and ideas. It also gave us the chance to prove that young people can succeed in business if they have the drive, and determination, and more importantly, the right idea! 

“It was nerve-racking, but also an exciting experience being able to pitch to some of the region’s top entrepreneurs!”

Marie Gilluley, Principal of Bolton College, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed welcoming students from across the Greater Manchester area to Bolton College. The competition was a fantastic way to showcase the incredible entrepreneurial talents of young people from Bolton and its neighbouring educational communities. Congratulations to all the students, who have all worked extremely hard with their business pitches.”

The enterprise event forms part of a regional initiative that has been put into place by the GMCG. The group of colleges have devised a series of competitions and events to prepare for the international vocational event, WorldSkills – a platform for individual countries to showcase the skill set of the workforce of the future.

Students from Tameside College were crowned the overall entrepreneurial champions on the day. Judges on the day were: Lee Bevan, Leapfrog Group, Gary Sheader, Futurestate Solutions, Matt Tomkin, Comms Consult & VO2 Sportswear, Phil Burke, Bolton Lads & Girls Club and Georgiana Alina, NACUE (National Association of College & University Entrepreneurs).