A young entrepreneur has received a national award for innovation.
Vikesh Mistry, 21, from Thurmaston, created a free search engine for people looking for driving instructors and entered it into the Edge Challenge enterprise competition.
His idea netted him first place and a cheque for £3,000, presented to him by Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis at a ceremony at the NEC, Birmingham.
The young entrepreneur, a pupil of Leicester College’s Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, had to submit a business proposal, which included financial and marketing plans, to be judged by a panel of experts.
He then had to pitch his idea in London and was crowned champion at a national event called the Skills Show, at the NEC after being chosen from a shortlist of three.
Vikesh said: “The Edge Challenge has been an exceptional experience for me. The feedback from the judges along the way has been so positive and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey.
“I now look forward to using the prize money to develop my business plan into a successful venture.”
Patron of the Skills Show, Mr Paphitis presented Vikesh with £3,000 towards developing his business.
He also gets the support of a business mentor for six months.
Peter Jones, founder of the Peter Jones Foundation, which has been set up at Leicester College, said: “Vikesh is a deserving winner, having produced such an innovative and useful search engine for driving instructors.
“I hope future academy students will be inspired by his success and gain the confidence and drive to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.”
Second and third places were awarded to Jacob Knowles, 19, from Blackburn and Katie Buckingham, 19, from Solihull.
Jacob’s proposal, a Start Sailing Pack, provides accessories for novice sailors and Katie’s idea was to develop her Altruist Enterprises business – a training and consultancy not-for-profit organisation that advises companies and youth organisations about mental health issues.
The Edge Challenge was launched this year by education charity the Edge Foundation in partnership with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and the Gazelle Colleges Group.
It aims to help a young entrepreneur get their business start-up off the ground.
Leicester Mercury
