Our Students have participated in two enterprise events, funded by a donation from the Tony Lane Foundation, the late former Mayor of Henley.
Aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills, the events were hosted at Henley Town Hall by young business enterprise company UNLOC and were supported by teaching staff. Experienced entrepreneurs, Damian Reeve and Kieran O’Toole, joined Unloc’s Managing Director Hayden Taylor in facilitating the activities.
Hayden said: “We are so pleased to be here today with these amazing students. Having started my first business at 16, our aim is to support businesses in education and share our experiences. Giving these guys the opportunity to bring their business courses to life with the creative freedom that comes with that, helps them to explore the opportunities that exist for them in terms of self-employment.”
First year BTEC Business student, Jacob Andrews aged 16 from Twyford, added: “It’s been quite interactive and is really helping me to develop general business skills and learn about entrepreneurship. I used to go the Piggott School and the environment at The Henley College is very different - there is always something to do and the practical aspect has really helped me to be independent.”
Personal Trainer, Damien Reeve, who also runs his own coaching business www.humanphenomena.com added: “After managing a gym, I realised I didn’t really enjoy it and wanted to run my own business. I do this alongside working for UNLOC and find teaching kids how to build their own businesses very fulfilling.”
Owner of Rock Clothing and anti-bullying ambassador, Kieran O’Toole, said: “The students have been great, they are really engaged and good fun. They have a theoretical £500 to come up with a business concept and pitch it to judges.”
Business teacher, Sarah Webb, from The Henley College said: “This workshop demonstrates that the students are really developing their independent thinking and are able to work collaboratively. It’s great to see them coming up with some really amazing and unique ideas.”
The donation from the Tony Lane Foundation also recently funded a new Apple Mac suite, opened by the Mayor on the 24th April 2019, offering our students the opportunity to learn on industry leading devices and software.
