Secondary schools across the UK are being set an exciting challenge by Ploughcroft, one of the UK’s leading renewable specialists, with the prize of Dinner with Dragons Den entrepreneurs Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis, at a top London hotel.
Ploughcroft is committed to inspiring young people about the opportunities within the construction and renewable industry and is asking secondary school pupils in Year 9 or above to come up with a concept for a renewable product, which could save UK households on their energy or fuel bills.
The prize is an all expenses paid trip to London for a team of up to four pupils and their teacher, who will be invited to dinner with the two TV Dragons at the Savoy Hotel in London in November.
Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis are partners in Ploughcroft’s business, after Managing Director Chris Hopkins secured investment from the two dragons last summer when he appeared on BBC TV’s Dragons Den.
Chris Hopkins, Managing Director of Ploughcroft, said: “We thought it would be a once in a lifetime chance prize for pupils to have dinner with the dragons and we have already had lots of interest from schools across the UK.”
He added: “It’s really important that young people begin to think how they can help the environment and this challenge is all about raising their aspirations and demonstrating that there are some really exciting career opportunities to do this in the construction sector. We are hoping that as many schools as possible will get involved.”
The competition, which runs until the end of June, asks teams not only to come up with a new renewable product, but also a marketing campaign to launch the product and promote it to its target market – UK householders.
Chris Hopkins is offering his services as a green construction ambassador and member of the Government’s Green Construction Board, to go into schools to give a presentation about the opportunities for young people in construction and renewable energy, as part of inspiring them about the wide range of career options.
All entries will be judged by Chris and his team of renewable experts and the finalists will then be asked to present their business idea to him in a ‘Dragons Den’ style pitch. The winning school will then be selected to attend Dinner with the Dragons later in the year. The runners up will be invited to an educational tour of Ploughcroft’s Eco Roof Visitor Centre in West Yorkshire.
Any schools interested in taking part should contact Amanda Edwards on 01484 723344 for an information pack or by email: Amanda.edwards@ploughcroft.co.uk
Alternatively, visit the website www.ploughcroft/schools for full details.
Ploughcroft was established in 1997 as a construction business and now offers roof contracting services and solar PV and renewable technology installation. The company is committed to educating the industry through its dedicated training courses which it runs for installers and contractors across the UK, particular those looking to seek a new income stream in the renewables sector.
For more details about Ploughcroft or to request a school presentation by green construction ambassador Chris Hopkins, visit the website www.ploughcroft.co.uk or email Amanda.edwards@ploughcroft.co.uk.
