NEWS
Businesses and schools have joined forces for the 18th Future Business Magnates competition .
FUTURE BUSINESS MAGNATES
Schools and businesses work together to inspire future business leaders
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competition for enterprising young minds is challenging pupils from County Durham secondary schools to turn their problemsolving skills into a profitable business .
Future Business Magnates ( FBM ), now in its 18th year , will see enterprising young minds from the county ’ s secondary schools working together with partner businesses to create , develop and present their ideas for a solution to a current commercial challenge .
The programme , run by Business Durham , the business support service of Durham County Council , aims to inspire future entrepreneurs by allowing pupils to experience the fun of starting their own business while developing key employability skills , such as teamwork , problem-solving , communication and presentation skills .
It was launched at Durham County Cricket Club with 13 schools and 10 businesses from across County Durham .
FBM provides a unique opportunity for businesses and schools to get together . The competition can help both understand the challenges businesses face and the type of skills the students involved need to overcome them .
Students will take part in six individual challenges , supported by dedicated business partners from successful County Durham businesses such as BTS Fabrications , Cooperative Retail Logistics , The Emotional Intelligence Company , Hydram Engineering ,
Stalemate , NuxtLab , TEDCO , South Durham Enterprise Agency and Waterstons .
Cllr Elizabeth Scott , cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council , said : “ Future Business Magnates provides a great opportunity for students to explore possible career pathways as well as nurture and inspire their entrepreneurial skills .
“ Recent times have tested the resilience of many companies across the county , and so the ability to encounter a problem and use your team ’ s creativity , ingenuity and inventiveness to find new solutions is an essential skill to thrive in today ’ s ever-changing world of business , and one we feel is vital to pass onto the next generation .”
LARGER NFU MUTUAL AGENCY
The four NFU Mutual Agencies which are based throughout County Durham have joined forces to create one agency , increasing the capacity of the insurance company to serve its communities and creating two new agent positions .
The enlarged workforce will operate across the four offices in County Durham , continuing to serve customers and their communities with the first-class , personal service for which NFU Mutual is known .
Andrew Cuthbertson , who has over 35 years ’ experience in the insurance industry , including many years managing the NFU Mutual Durham Districts branch , will be the senior agent for the new agency . He will be supported by agents Claire Gilson and Emma Mitchell .
“ By joining our two agencies , we can give ourselves the opportunity to grow as a local business , developing even greater specialities and levels of expertise which will ultimately help us provide the best possible service to members ,” said Andrew .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 5