Press Release

Famous Face Inspires Camden's Teenagers

15/11/06

BUDDING entrepreneurs have been given a helping hand in making their first million by former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell.

As part of Camden Council's Enterprise Week, November 13-19, the now extremely successful Mr Campbell gave an inspiring and motivational talk to a group of 15-18 year olds from Highgate's William Ellis School.

Kings Cross Challenge: How teen-entrepreneurs can help develop tomorrow's Kings Cross, also included a talk from Roger Madelin, CEO of Argent - the developers in charge of the £3 billion regeneration of the Kings Cross.

The pair spoke about their experiences and how the teenagers could 'jump on the band wagon' and get involved in the major project  - the biggest development to come into the city for many years.

Tim said: "I made a lot of mistakes when I was younger, I hope by speaking to the youngsters they don't make the same ones.

"When I was younger I was truant throughout year nine and wasted a lot of time and energy doing things that didn't matter. Also when I chose certain courses I chose ones that were easy rather than ones that were going to take me forward."

Looking back at his time on BBC 2's Apprentice, Tim added: "I'm against reality television and wouldn't want them going on reality TV, however of course I appreciate the opportunities I was given on Apprentice.

"The point I wanted to get across was if I'd chosen the right paths I wouldn't have had to go on a reality TV programme and that's what I want them to do, choose the right paths. Look at the bigger picture and make wiser choices."

Roger encouraged the teenagers to get a piece of the Kings Cross action by possibly becoming a future restaurateur, shop manager, fitness instructor or engineer.

Pupil Louis McCusker has now been inspired to follow his dream of setting up his own electronics company following Tim and Roger's inspirational talks.

He said: "I asked Tim about the opportunities he had when he was younger and what his thoughts were about working overseas.

"I'd like to set up my own company. He made me feel inspired and able to make it a reality. He gave me a lot of useful advice. This was a great event for young people."

Teacher Andrew Mangham, head of year 12 at William Ellis School, said the event was a huge success.

"Tim's presentation was very inspirational which was really beneficial for the kids, giving them productive advice. A lot of students have been motivated by both Roger and Tim's talks which is fantastic."

Cllr Andrew Marshall, Executive member for Equalities and Community Development, said: "I'm delighted at the success of this event as part of a really packed Enterprise Week in Camden. It's given first hand guidance to our young people on how they can take control of their futures."

A whole host of enterprising activities have been staged this week.

The events aimed to give local people in their teens and twenties the confidence and skills needed to make their ideas take off, through new business start-ups, social enterprise or as enterprising employees.

Camden already has one of the most prosperous business districts in London with over 18,770 VAT registered businesses in the borough and countless more smaller companies. It has the third largest economy in London and seventh largest nationally. Camden's economy has also grown by 16 per cent in the last decade compared to the national growth rate of only 8 per cent in the same period.

Camden's Enterprise Week has been organised by Camden Council with the help of The British Library, The Wellcome Trust, Centa Business Services, The London Development Agency, HMRC, Enterprise Insight, Acas and Envirowise.

For more details on any of the events, businesses or residents can contact Sandi Phillips on 020 7974 5906, visit www.camden.gov.uk/business or pick up a programme at your local library.