Young entrepreneurs bring ideas to market

There will be a diverse range of products and businesses on show on the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy stall from 9am-2pm, from handmade jewellery and accessories to personalised mugs and Asian-inspired subscription boxes.

Henry Matthews, aged 16, from Tring, has already enjoyed some commercial success with his Re-skate Jewellery, made from recycled skateboard parts.

His products are stocked by Aylesbury Skateboards, and he has been nominated for the Chiltern Youth Award for Young Entrepreneur 2017.

Henry said: “My family is in business and I wanted to start out in business myself.

“I joined the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy to learn how to set up a business. I’ve learned it’s a gradual process – you don’t get people buying your things straight away.

“I’m taking my Re-skate skateboarder jewellery down to Chesham Market to get my name out there and to let people know about my brand.”

Former Ashlyns School students Alfie Morgan and Louis Martin, aged 18, and Charlie Groves, 17, from Berkhamsted, will be selling their limited-edition Mother’s Day gifts, with proceeds going to the Rosie’s Rainbow Fund charity.

Charlie said: “We’ll find out how difficult it is to actually make a business a success – and sell to real customers.”

Course leader Caroline Bartholomew said: “It is important for us to get out from behind closed doors, and show the local community what our young entrepreneurs are working on.

“The feedback they get will really help them develop their products and ideas.”