Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones praises Nelson and Colne College student (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones praises Nelson and Colne College student

3:49pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

AN ENTERPRISING student from Nelson and Colne College has been praised for her “huge business potential” by Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones CBE after winning a national award.

Ameena Bibi scooped the prestigious prize for her outstanding achievement in sustainability in the nationwide enterprise competition Tycoon in Schools.

The student, whose business named Occasions by Ameena makes and sells bespoke candles and other products, wowed the entrepreneur with her savvy business skills, generating fantastic profits from her ‘loan of seed’ funding.

To win the Tycoon in Schools special award she had to maximise profits in four weeks trading during November after receiving a £1,000 loan from the Peter Jones Foundation.

As well as her significant return on the original funding, judges were impressed by her unique products, which were decorated with henna designs.

Mr Jones said: “This business has huge potential not only locally but within other retailers and market fairs where these types of products are in great demand.

“I’ve no doubt that this business will continue to be successful and make money.

“I am thrilled that so many of the teams plan to continue trading their business, as it shows that this campaign has real legacy.

“As a country we need to do more to encourage enterprise and through this competition I believe we can help nurture entrepreneurial talent from the earliest opportunity in schools.”Ameena said: “I am so pleased to be a winner. This has given me a platform with which to continue my business.

“I am doing something I love and making money out of it."

Justine Thatcher from Nelson and Colne College said: “All the hard work and long hours has paid off.

“Dedication and an ambitious character have been the secret to Ameena’s success.

“I am immensely proud of Ameena and this has been a fantastic opportunity which has set her off on the right path to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

“The entire college has supported Ameena and we couldn’t be more pleased for her.”

Schools are invited to register their interest for the 2013 competition by visiting: www.tycooninschools.com.

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