OP Harry Coates (97-08) recently came back to Pocklington School to share his business acumen with Lower Sixth Business students as part of a Young Enterprise day.  He joined the judging panel of a Dragons’ Den-style contest as the students pitched their business plans to the panel.

The 24 students from three classes were supported by Harry as they explored entrepreneurship, business skills and setting up companies.

Harry Coates told students how he progressed from Young Enterprise at Pocklington School to a First Class degree in Business, followed by an international company graduate scheme. He then moved back to Pocklington to put his experience and skill set to use within the family company, of which he is now a director.

The students then worked in groups to put together a pitch for funding from the ‘Dragons’ Den’ judges. They had to work through a costs and revenue document, marketing plan and then present their business plan to judges and face questions.

The winner was an IT support company name Shield IT. Student comments after the very productive day included: “Brilliant;" "Really enjoyed it;" and "made me want to set up my own company.”