Secret Millionaire backs launch of enterprise programme

Secret Millionaire Carl Hopkins is backing the national launch of an enterprise education programme that teaches children as young as four the skills and concepts behind running a business.  

'Are You Ready?' aims to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of life in the 21st Century by inspiring teachers to integrate enterprise skills and culture into the life and curriculum of schools and colleges.

Channel 4's Secret Millionaire and Social Entrepreneur, Carl Hopkins met the 'Are You Ready?' team during the Enterprise UK competition to find The Most Enterprising Place in Britain, which he judged.

Showcasing their original project - internationally acclaimed enterprise education programme 'Rotherham Ready' - the team demonstrated how enterprise had transformed teaching and learning and raised aspirations in Rotherham.

Carl was 'blown away' by the comprehensive strategy the team had developed to transform school culture and put enterprise at the heart of teaching and learning.

Rotherham Ready was launched in 2005 and was such a success that Hull Ready, Calderdale Ready, Scarborough Ready and North Lincolnshire Ready have followed. Through these projects more than 1,000 teachers have been trained to develop enterprise through the curriculum and bring learning and teaching to life for pupils.

Both Carl and the 'Are You Ready?' team have a passion to help young people develop the enterprising capabilities, opportunities and attitudes which they will need to be successful in an ever-changing future landscape and to this end, Carl has now signed up as a Founding Patron of the 'Are You Ready?' mission.

Carl said, "I'm really proud to be associated with this new phase of enterprise in education which the 'Are You Ready?' team are creating. They're not just thinking about one-off opportunities for schools to work with businesses but they have a passion to change the way schools operate - creating an enterprising culture from the inside."

The official launch of the 'Are You Ready?' brand will be taking place on 28th June at Magna, Rotherham, as part of a free national conference held by the team, inviting delegates to visit the 'Most Enterprising Place in the UK' and learn from their journey. The conference will encompass a panel discussion, of which Carl and other key players in Rotherham's Enterprise UK bid will answer questions about why their model has been so unique. Key note speakers on the day include Phil Beadle, from Channel 4's The Unteachables and Sabirul Islam, author of 'The World at Your Feet' and creator of Teen-Trepreneur. A student-led enterprise learning market will also take place with stalls from students aged 4 to 19, demonstrating their entrepreneurial expertise.

Jackie Frost, 'Are You Ready?' Project Manager commented, "This is a really exciting time for us and for schools and colleges everywhere. Being enterprising is critical in every sphere of life, as well as profession. Whether young people want to work in the private, public or voluntary sector, they will need an entrepreneurial mindset and transferable skills. We want to transform the hearts and minds of teachers and learners with an enterprising message that will help prepare young people for their future."