Young Entrepreneurs Stoked for Success

Budding young entrepreneurs have taken up the challenge to create a new sauce for one of Suffolk’s leading businesses, Stoke Sauces.

Year 10 students from four schools were invited to the University of Suffolk this week for the final of the University’s Rising Entrepreneur Award.

The students pitched their ideas for a new flavour to add to the Stokes Sauces range to a panel of judges, with the winning sauce being created to help a local foodbank.

The winning sauce, a chip shop curry sauce invented by students from Framlingham College, will be made at the company’s Rendlesham Hall base, near Woodbridge, in July with the limited batch of 1,500 bottles being donated to Families In Need (FIND) foodbank in Ipswich.

The students, from Holbrook Academy, Thomas Mills High School, Farlingaye High School and Framlingham College also enjoyed expert coaching from business course leaders at the University ahead of their presentations to the panel which included representatives from Stokes Sauces, FIND and the University of Suffolk.

Sarah Harris, lecturer in event management and work-based learning at the University of Suffolk said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to welcome students to the Rising Entrepreneur Award event.

“Events like this really showcase Business at the University of Suffolk, offering real life experience and authentic work and learning.

“The day introduced the students to the idea of Higher Education and studying business, as well as giving them the chance to make a difference to the local community.”

Dr Will Thomas, Head of Business at the University of Suffolk added: “We’ve been blown away by the ideas that the student teams came up with, their fresh ideas and creativity are amazing. Being a part of the judging panel was a joy – but they made it incredibly hard to pick a winner.”

Andy Weatherill, innovation chef with Stokes Sauces said he was very impressed with all those who took part.

Speaking to the students he said: “You should all be immensely proud of yourselves. I have learnt from you today.”

To find out more about business courses at the University of Suffolk go to Search for a Course | University of Suffolk (uos.ac.uk)

To find out more about Families In Need Ipswich (FIND)  FIND - Families in Need | Food Bank Ipswich (findipswich.org.uk)