Enterprising students across the district have been blazing a trail by starting their own businesses.
They have been helped by the setting up in Rawthorpe in 2010 of the first Studio School in the country – a remarkable first for the town.
It has since prospered as a national model of how students can benefit from a more practical, work-based curriculum.
Based at Netherhall Learning Campus, the studio and the new multi-million pound new Kirklees Youth Enterprise Centre (KYEC), provides a perfect platform for showcasing the students’ inchoate skills.
One of those who was quick to take advantage was Chris Beal, an 18-year-old from Emley .
The Studio School student had suffered from shyness and needed to conquer his fears of failure to set up his dream business – a film enterprise called FotoMotion!
But during his time developing his business plan the KYEC was able to improve his people skills and give him the confidence to succeed.
He received £5,000 of start-up funding and was appointed a business mentor, Andy Green.
He helps him with castings and takes him on film shoots to gain further experience.
Chris said he would never have set up his own business without the centre’s support.
He said: “I always felt I would fail so I was scared to take the step I needed. The KYEC was there to give me that support and I’m so glad I did.”
Another young entrepreneur, 17-year-old Matty Blakey, from Holmfirth, has also proved that you don’t have to be an academic star to succeed in business.
He had struggled for years with dyslexia but with the help of the centre he now runs a DJ business, MandL Productions.
In February, after overcoming the thought of producing a business plan – he was awarded £5,000 for equipment and his business is going from strength to strength.
Matty said: “I knew exactly what I wanted to do but the thought of writing up business plans turned me off the idea.
“The KYEC understood my dyslexia and they helped me through the process which ended with me being awarded the maximum grant.”
And another recent young entrepreneur who has been helped is Charlie Craigs who is setting up his own clothing label – Riccton.
The 19-year-old who is studying sports promotion and marketing at the University of Huddersfield , has developed a fashionable brand aimed at other young people.
He has used the sophistication of haute couture and the rebelliousness of skateboarding and other street sports.
And the centre has proved its pulling power when it comes to attracting inspirational, top notch speakers.
Earlier this year, Kanya King, an internationally recognised entrepreneur and innovator in the British music industry, held the mesmerised attention of more than 25 aspiring young business leaders as she shared her ‘rags-to-riches’ story.
She told them she was “amazed by the fantastic opportunity for young people” and added: “I wish I had something like this when I was younger – the practical experience, valuable advice and support.”
Over the next few days, up to August 23, the centre will be running sessions in the Byram Arcade in Huddersfield.
It will run morning and afternoon enterprise sessions for any young people aged 14-19-years-old, keen to set up their own creative and media business.
The Summer Enterprise Experience will cover all aspects of running a business and attendees will learn all the skills needed to run a business.
They will also get the chance to pitch an idea in a mini-Dragons Den.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Go to www.kyec.org.uk
