Business students from Telford College have been described as a ‘great credit to the region’ after wowing judges on a Dragons’ Den-style competition panel.
They travelled to Keele University to take part in the ICAN competition, which has been created by the business school to inspire ambition, innovation, and confidence among young people.
Students collaborate with classmates to come up with creative solutions to real‑world business and social issues and present them to an expert panel of ‘Dragons’ from Keele Business School.
This year 24 students from the School of Business and Professional from T Level accounting, management and administration took part, and presented business ideas around a dark kitchen, a travel app, a mobile car valeting business, an event management business, a vegan café and a student accommodation cleaning business.
“I could not be prouder of our students,” said business tutor Slavka Sutton. “They were a real credit to the college, demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and entrepreneurial flair throughout.
“What stood out most was their ability to rise to the challenge with confidence and originality. Competing against strong teams, our T Level Accounting students excelled, ultimately conquering the competition with an exceptional business idea: the creation of a ‘dark kitchen’ in the Stafford area.
“Their proposal reflected strong commercial awareness and a clear understanding of current market trends, showcasing both innovation and practical application.”
She added: “Seeing our students pitch their ideas so confidently to a panel of experts was incredibly rewarding. They embraced every aspect of the experience, building resilience, creativity, and belief in their own potential.
“They represented the college with distinction, and I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.”
She thanked the team at Keele University for their support, and for providing such a valuable and inspiring opportunity for students.
Dr Tolu Olarewaju co-ordinator of the ICAN programme at Keele Business School, said the students were ‘a great credit to the region’ and evidence of the fantastic work being done at Telford College.
