Young Enterprise has been established since the 1960's and has given hundreds of thousands of school students the exciting opportunity to create and run their own businesses whilst still at school. Each team is assigned a 'mentor' drawn from the local business community who watches over them and passes on their valuable business knowledge.  The students' companies battle it out in regional competitions and the overall winners take their product to a grand European Final, often meeting high profile business people and politicians along the way.

Young Enterprise is a charity and therefore relies on the goodwill, time and dedication of its supporters to continue its great work.  In an age where the media is packed full of negative stories about teenagers, crime and their lack of respect, Young Enterprise gives school students a chance to shine and - most importantly - gives students a practical taste of the opportunities waiting for them in the business world.

Nick James, a self made entrepreneur, feels strongly about practising what he preaches. Each week, throughout the Young Enterprise year, Nick dedicates his time for free as a business mentor to a team of students at his former comprehensive school. In addition, Nick James attends key Young Enterprise events; whether to deliver the prestigious key note speech or just to offer support and encouragement to the teams.

Working closely with the Reading Area Board of Young Enterprise, Nick James has been invaluable in helping them raise their media profile and plan their media strategy for the forthcoming year.

Below are some photos from a recent Young Enterprise event.  You can see Nick James with the Reading Area Board of Young Enterprise and also at The Berkshire Area Finals 2008.

Nick James and the Reading Young Enterprise Area Board

Nick James at the Young Enterprise Berkshire County Finals