Grade 10 Business and Enterprise students put their business plans to expert industry panel.
Grade 10 students to pitch their business plans to the test in front of an expert industry panel as part of their course.
The Business & Enterprise students learn about introductory business concepts, but are also able to get their teeth into more practical matters in the exciting culmination of the course. They are tasked with undertaking group investigations of a small business, then a large PLC, presenting their findings and recommendations to a panel of business leaders who quiz them on it.
The final stage of the course, led by Martin Hall, Head of School, involves them developing their own business idea and pitching it to a panel, in an Apprentice-style grilling, for those familiar with the TV show. The students are assessed not only on their growing understanding of business but also on their capabilities as members of a work team. The first stage concluded in December and the students did a fantastic job. They investigated the following firms:
To prepare each case, they had to correspond with the business owner, set up Zoom meetings and conduct interviews with the business owners to find the information they needed. They then presented their findings to the experts.
Martin Hall
Yaron Tal
ACS Hillingdon parent and entrepreneur, Yaron has a passion for investing in different businesses and start-ups in the UK and abroad. He studied economics and accounting at university, Yaron started his career as an accountant before moving to Africa where he established many successful companies. He is experienced in sectors such as energy, agriculture, engineering and IT, to name a few.
Since 2013, Yaron has been based in London and continues to invest in different sectors. He is happy to share his experiences with others to help them reach their maximum potential. In his spare time, he serves as a trustee in a UK-based charity organisation. Yaron and his family also generously agreed to provide prizes for the winning team in the form of gift tokens.
Katja Antila
ACS Hillingdon parent and Global Head of Media Relations for Nokia, Katja has held senior corporate communications roles in global companies in financial services, the energy sector, manufacturing and in technology for the last 10 years. Prior to that she wrote two books on sustainability. She has a Master’s Degree in accounting and finance and started her career in finance before moving into investment banking. She has lived and worked in seven countries.
Richard Giles
Chief Financial Officer of De Beers’ Brands and Consumer Markets business (which spans consumer-facing activities around the world), including the brands De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, Richard is passionate about the positive impact that De Beers diamonds have on the communities and ecosystems from which they come, and about the ambitious sustainability goals (Building Forever) that have recently been announced. As a leader, Richard’s focus is on releasing the full potential of our people, to elevate talent and commercial acumen at every level.