During the 20/21 academic year, Tropical Events Inc. ran Covid-safe, outdoor discos for the school community in response to the limited social events available to young people since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. These events were a huge success, with more than 700 Wilbury students taking advantage of tropical fun with their friends in the sun (including a bouncy castle and very popular tuck shop) and an overwhelming profit made of £2,400.

The competition final was a very glamorous affair, in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Peter Jones (from Dragon’s Den) attended and began the ceremony by congratulating the 10 finalist teams on their incredible successes (selected out of 300 businesses). He spoke passionately about the need for young people to learn entrepreneurial life skills and was amazed at the determination and resilience shown by this year’s competitors.

Our team were second up to the stage to talk about their business and Trevaun spoke with great clarity about the process the team had been through. Miracle and Simeon then confidently answered questions from Peter Jones and a member of the Sage Ambition Mentor group about their biggest challenges and proudest moments. There was an audible gasp from the panel and the audience when they announced their total profit.

After all 10 businesses had presented, Bill Muirhead – Managing Director of the Peter Jones Foundation – announced the winners in each age category and Tropical Events Inc. were absolutely thrilled to be announced as the Primary Tycoon competition winners. They were invited on stage to receive their winner’s trophy and for a photo opportunity with Peter Jones before returning to their seats to watch the rest of the announcements.

The final announcement of the award ceremony was for the overall national Tycoon Enterprise Competition winner 2020/21. Tropical Events Inc. were competing against a number of amazing businesses – including college students upcycling trainers, a young man who had set up a lucrative advertising agency and two Year 11 students who had been sewing and selling dog toys made from recycled and environmentally friendly materials – so they were completely shocked and amazed, and absolutely over the moon, to be announced as the overall competition winners. There was another photo opportunity with Peter Jones, this time with the competition winner’s trophy and a cheque for £1,000 for the school. Thousands of photos and interviews later and the team were given a private tour of Hampton Court Palace before a very long but happy journey home.

These students worked so hard during a very difficult period of time. They dealt with some incredibly tough challenges and were thoroughly deserving of their win. The students return to their secondary schools walking a little bit taller and with a strong belief that they are capable of great things. Let’s hope our whole school community can learn from the aspirations and success of Tropical Events Inc. and thank you to everyone who supported them during the competition.

Wilbury and other schools from the Children First Academy Trust are now planning to take part in the 2021/22 Tycoon Enterprise Competition. Watch this space!