Basketball star launches search for business leaders

Published: 04 November 2009.

A search for County Durham’s business leaders of tomorrow will begin this week when basketball star Fabulous ‘Fab’ Flournoy launches an annual schools competition.

Future Business Magnates sees teams from 16 secondary schools across the county competing against each other as they set up and run their own business.

Organised by Durham County Council, the contest aims to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and help aspiring Alan Sugars develop their business skills.

This year’s event, which will once again be supported by local businesses, will be launched at Ramside Hall Hotel on Friday, 6 November between 9.45am and 12.00 noon, by Newcastle Eagles player/coach Fab.

Councillor Neil Foster, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Future Business Magnates not only gives young people the chance to learn some valuable life skills but is also a great way of encouraging local businesses to get involved in the community.

“Previous years have seen teams making and selling a variety of goods ranging from cards and smoothies to goats milk soap, and with a record number of schools taking part this year, I’m sure we can expect some even more unusual ideas.”

Launched in 2005, the competition is open to teams of between eight and 12 Year 8 pupils. Each team works with a dedicated business partner from a local firm.