Future Business Magnates praised by local businesses

Now recognised as the longest-running project of its kind in the UK, it continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

One long-standing supporter is The Co-op, which has worked with Future Business Magnets for over a decade. Ian Hindle, Distribution General Manager at The Co-op’s Birtley depot on Drum Industrial Estate, said: “We have been privileged to support such a fantastic programme that enables students across the county to be involved in the competition driving innovation and engagement for all students and teachers involved.”

It is delivered by Durham County Council’s business support service, Business Durham, and over seven months sees teams of Year 8 students take part in a series of tasks to develop a business solution to a pressing challenge.

Over the years more than 2,400 Year 8 students from 40 secondary schools have been involved in the competition and another 10,000 Year 7 students have been introduced to enterprise through Future Business Magnates Freshers, a short taster programme for Year 7 students.

This year Business Durham have further extended enterprise opportunities to young people in County Durham with 250 primary school children taking part in a new project called Market Makers and 200 Year 9 students engaging in a creative enterprise project.

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