Project to nurture new generation of entrepreneurs

Doncaster secondary school pupils could be the cream of the crop for recruiters following their emergence as young business leaders, it has been suggested.

Students from five schools across the region have entered this year’s Real Business Challenge and could make the final of the competition in November, reported the Sheffield Star.

The students will learn key skills for the future as teams put together a professional bid to bring a two-day conference to their area, featuring 250 delegates, the article noted.

They have to organise all expenses for the event in their bid, which includes branding, overnight accommodation, excursions, dinner and entertainment.

Alex McWhirter, Head of Enterprise at Yorkshire Forward, told the newspaper: 'It is vital we help our young people to develop skills in team working, communication, problem-solving, time management, presentation and risk-taking, which are crucial in the working world.'

A successful young entrepreneur who may provide inspiration is 24 year-old Mark Zuckerberg, who set up the social networking website Facebook and is now worth $1.5bn (£853.6m).