Redbridge pupils show their talent at Dragons’ Den competition
Published: 28 May 2025
A group of young, budding entrepreneurs from schools across Redbridge recently pitched their innovative ideas to a Dragons' Den-style expert panel at the Social Enterprise Schools competition.
Redbridge Council has partnered with Social Enterprise Academy and Local London Careers Hub East to deliver Social Enterprise Schools for the second consecutive year in Redbridge. The programme supports pupils in Redbridge and across various boroughs in and outside London in starting their own pupil-led social enterprises to address the social issues they care about and develop key skills for the future.
The Dragons’ Den competition, held at Cineworld Ilford, provided an opportunity for pupils to gain professional advice on their social enterprise business ideas. The young entrepreneurs honed their public speaking skills, and the Dragons gained valuable insights into the issues that matter most to the next generation.
The social enterprise ideas pitched on the day were as diverse as the young minds behind them. They included an initiative to tackle voter apathy amongst young people, resin coasters made by young people with SEND to build on their physical development and social and communication skills, a social enterprise that runs sporting sessions to reduce screen time amongst young people, and an inclusive online learning environment for young people that may not be able to attend mainstream or SEND provision. This diversity is a testament to the inclusivity and vibrancy of our community.
The panel of ‘Dragons’ included Forogh Rahmani (Director of Local London), Lawrence Gosling (Head of PR, Communications and Content at Artemis), and Junaed Mortuza (HCM Solutions Architect at SAP).
The overall winners of the Dragons’ Den competition were Seven Kings School, whose social enterprise empowers women, students and night-shift workers with a jacket designed to protect them. However, the panel of Dragons was so impressed by all the pitches presented that all participants were recognised and awarded.
Cllr Lloyd Duddridge, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Congratulations to all of the brilliant young people who took part. It’s incredible to see the vast amount of talent we have in the young people of Redbridge, who come up with such innovative ideas and present them in such a professional way.
“It’s also heartening to see young people from our SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) schools and those unable to access mainstream education present alongside our mainstream schools, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of our community. It has been a fantastic experience collaborating with the Local London Careers Hub and the Social Enterprise Academy to deliver this wonderful project to the young people of Redbridge. We are immensely grateful to the schools and young people who took part, as they are a credit to our borough and a testament to the strength of our community.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of Local London, said: “Today was a huge amount of fun. I am blown away by all the brilliant ideas and presentations we were treated to. As Dragons, the students made our decisions really difficult as they all showed great potential as social entrepreneurs. I am delighted that at Redbridge Connexions Team, Social Enterprise Academy, and the team at Local London Careers Hub put on this innovative event for a second year because it’s really important that young people get opportunities to explore their different talents and how they might shape their future career choices.”
Maya Wenzel, Delivery Lead (England) at the Social Enterprise Academy, said: “One of my favourite parts of my job is being able to see the next generation of social entrepreneurs in action! I was blown away by the calibre of the initiatives presented at the Redbridge Dragons’ Dens – they all shared creative and thoughtful responses to local social and environmental issues and have a great future ahead of them.”
Schools who presented at the Social Enterprise Schools: Dragons’ Den competition were:
- Ark Isaac Newton Academy
- Caterham High School
- Home Tuition at the Redbridge Medical and Inclusion Service
- Ilford County High School
- Little Heath School
- Oaks Park High School
- Seven Kings School
- Ursuline Academy Ilford
If you are interested in supporting or participating in the Social Enterprise Schools programme, please visit their website to learn more and get involved.
