On Dragon’s Den, successful entrepreneur Peter Jones is renowned for using his no-nonsense business nous to knock many a contestant on the enterprising reality show down a peg or two.
In his philanthropical endeavours, however, Peter is far more interested in building up aspiring young entrepreneurs to be the business leaders of tomorrow.
With an astonishing array of backers and supporters – the organisation counts HRH The Duke of York among its patrons, and a dazzling number of major multinational corporations among its sponsors – the Peter Jones Foundation has set up a number of initiatives to nurture entrepreneurial talent.
Peter Jones Enterprise Academy
Set up in 2009, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy constitutes a network of educational providers committed to instigating a cultural sea change by ‘bringing the boardroom into the classroom’.
The Academy’s cornerstone is the concept of learning by doing, with the intention of providing future generations of entrepreneurs with the practical skills they need to succeed in the world of business.
In September 2009 the Academy launched its first full-year academic course in conjunction with Pearson at its Amersham and Manchester academies. Since then it has expanded to work with 30 educational providers nationwide who teach courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship.
Tycoon in Schools
Launched in July 2012, Tycoon in Schools is a free national enterprise competition, with the goal of inspiring the nation’s burgeoning business minds to get involved in entrepreneurship by giving them a start-up loan to run a business at school.
In previous years, the Tycoon in Schools Awards Ceremony has been held at Buckingham Palace and hosted by Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
Ignite Apprenticeships
In October 2012, the Peter Jones Foundation launched the first Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Business Innovation in conjunction with partners including Pearson and the Federation of Small Business.
The apprentices earn while they learn, developing business acumen and skills which they apply in the workplace on a daily basis. The apprentices have been given placements in a variety of businesses and organisations, including SMEs like Waltham Estates and large corporate companies like Nielsen, Grant Thornton and Jessops.
Forgotten Children
The foundation also works outside the entrepreneurial arena to help disadvantaged children generally – through charities such as Comic Relief, 21&Co, Leukaemia Research, the Jessie May Trust and the Youth Adventure Trust.
Fundraising
The Peter Jones Foundation hosts a double-barrelled programme of biannual, star-studded sporting events – one Charity Shoot and one Charity Golf Day every year. Past attendees have included many of Peter Jones’ fellow Dragons from the Den as well as David Coulthard, Alan Shearer, Tim Henman and Vernon Kay.
Residential Land is very proud to count itself among the Peter Jones Foundation’s many supporters, and contribute towards its invaluable portfolio of educational and charitable programmes. For more information and to see how you can support the foundation click here.