A young student from Derbyshire has impressed some of the UK’s leading business brains to be crowned winner of Make Your Mark with a Tenner 2010. Scott Chapman, of Wooldands Community School in Allestree, beat off strong competition to claim his prize.
The competition, run by Enterprise UK, gives participants £10 and one month to turn their creative and enterprising ideas into businesses that make money and make a difference.
Scott, 11, won the Outstanding Individual Award, which was presented to him by Oli Barrett, founder of the Make Your Mark with a Tenner competition. The award is given to the individual that the judges felt had demonstrated the most drive, determination and creativity.
Commenting on Scott’s performance, Oli Barrett said: "Scott sums up what Make Your Mark with a Tenner is all about. He had a great idea, he wasn't afraid to take risks, he kept going in the face of adversity, he made money and he made a difference. When you meet him you know he's one to watch and I wish him luck, whatever adventures await."
Scott came up with the idea of producing Mother’s Day cards, with a personalised poem, which he wrote, designed and produced at home. He then sold these to family, friends and teachers at his school before approaching his local Sainsbury’s supermarket in Chaddesden, where he was allowed to sell his cards in store, which helped him make an total of £537.51 from his original £10 note.
James Little, store manager at Sainsbury’s Chaddesden, said: “This was a great cause so when Scott first approached us we were more than happy to help. Scott’s poems were a real hit with both colleagues and customers alike. He is a budding entrepreneur and poet laureate all rolled into one!”
Chris Shaw, Regional Manager for Unleashing Enterprise, which works in partnership with Enterprise UK, said: “Derbyshire’s young people have the skills and talents needed to make money and improve the lives of others. All they needed was someone to believe in them and a ten pound note. This spirit of doing ‘good business’ bodes well for the future of the UK’s economy.”
This year funding from the Big Lottery Fund enabled thousands more students to get involved, with around 28,000 students taking part. Mick McGrath, the Big Lottery Fund's Head of Region - East Midlands, said: “Make Your Mark with a Tenner has proven the value of a £10 note. It might not sound a lot but to the students, who are given the chance to do something with it, it’s very empowering and I hope they go onto bigger and better things.”
The photograph shows Scott with Oli Barratt