Wrexham Enterprise Hub to host Apprentice-style ‘Business Lock-In’

An Enterprise Hub in the heart of Wrexham town centre is set to hold its first apprentice-style lock-in event and is on the search for more participants to join the 20 already signed up.

The event for 16-24-year-olds is free to enter and will take place at the Business Wales Wrexham Enterprise Hub on Rhosddu Road (former Iceland supermarket) across the 23rd and 24th of November. The event, in collaboration with Big Ideas Wales, will also provide food and drink to keep energy levels high.

Teams of four will be given 24 hours to sketch out a viable business concept, draw up the business plan, and then present it to the panel of judges. Every hour between 10am and 7pm, groups will get expert advice on topics ranging from developing business plans, to managing social media strategy and pitching.

The winning team members will each receive an iPad, courtesy of event partners Chetwood Financial.

Community Manager at the Wrexham Enterprise Hub, Carl Turner, said the event is all about making the concept of business a reality for younger people: “We’re really excited to be holding our first business lock-in and can’t wait to see what the teams can come up with.

“Providing an environment that fosters new business is at the very heart of what we do at the Hub, so events such as this are a great way to reach out to younger people.

“Obviously, programmes such as the Apprentice can capture the imagination of budding entrepreneurs, but as simple as the show can sometimes make tasks look, the framework around them is what allows the contestants to get creative.

“The Lock-In event will provide that platform by giving the participants inspiration, direction, expert support and of course the most important motivator of all – pizza!

“I’d encourage anyone who has ever thought about starting a business, or who has an idea, to come along and give it a go. It will be a great event in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where participants can discuss their ideas, meet new people and develop something that could change their life.”

David Bannister, Delivery Manager from Big Ideas Wales said: “We are extremely happy to be collaborating with the Wrexham Enterprise Hub in this business lock-in event.

“This will be a great opportunity, in a fantastic facility, for those young people involved to explore and develop their own individual business skills’ this will be a great launch pad for their future potential careers as entrepreneurs”

The Business Wales Wrexham Enterprise Hub is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

To take part, either pop into the Hub on Rhosddu Road, call 01978 807420 or e-mail Carl at [email protected]