Dorset: MD of VoIP launches into Young Enterprise Dragon’s Den event

Mark Pillow, managing director of Poole-based VoIP, took part in the 2016 Young Enterprise Dragon’s Den event. Groups of students had four minutes to pitch their business ideas to the ‘Dragons’ to compete for a £50 investment in their companies.

The event, held at Clayesmore School and organised by Young Enterprise Dorset, provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate their company’s achievements, pitch for real funds to help develop their business idea and network with local business professionals. 

Students aged between 14 and 18 years, came up with a variety of business ideas including a company called ‘Temple’ pitching branded hats and another named ‘Entity’ marketing an audio book for children dealing with moral issues.

Pillow commented: “It was a privilege to be a Dragon for the day and to experience pitches from some intelligent young people. A tough decision had to be made but the company ‘Entity’ had, in my opinion, the better business idea and scope for the future with their audio book.”

The participation by VoIP consolidates its commitment to helping students and young people develop skills for the workplace. The company is already a keen supporter of Dorset’s Enterprise and Skills Challenge, an employability-skills programme inspiring entrepreneurial behaviour in young people. It is also a main sponsor for the Southampton University formula student team.