The judges of the Bright Young Things competition. L- R, Charlie Mathieson, Ian Walker, Tom Scott, Julian Winser, Simon Torode and Derek Coates.
A YOUTH support project got a £5,000 golden handshake in Guernsey’s frst contest for young entrepreneurs.
James Turner’s Street Academy won the Bright Young Things competition at a packed St James yesterday evening. It is a dance, music and singing enterprise aimed at young people and taught by those of the same age.
Mr Turner was joined by three team members and together they gave an energetic pitch that included rap, ballet, r’n’b vocals and human beat box performances.
‘I want to thank my team, the audience who voted us through the first stage and everyone else who has been involved, including all the mentors who made the right decision and particularly Derek Coates who helped make this happen,’ he said.
Bright Young Things was sponsored by Schroders in Guernsey and aimed to help fledgling entrepreneurs and their businesses by supporting them with advice, guidance and financial support.
The other finalists were a relocation agency from Becky Machon and Katie Vidamour, a software system by James Rowe, a bespoke handbag company from Helen Young, a live music agency by Autumn Curtis-Summer and an ergonomic transport concept from Danielle Reid.
The mentors and judges were successful entrepreneurs Tom Scott, Charlie Matheson, Simon Torode, Ian Walker, Mr Coates and Schroders Guernsey CEO Julian Winser.
After initial presentations from all six, the 500-strong audience voted and whittled them down to three.
The judges then chose a winner, but were so impressed by the standard of the two runners-up they awarded each £2,000.
Mr Scott said Bright Young Things should continue.
‘The mentors learnt a lot by working with these young people and we had a lot of fun.
‘I think they were all worthy contestants, but they’re all standing in the wrong place – they should be standing for chief minister.
‘Instead of the States subsidising an airline, they should be supporting young people like these.’
The evening also featured a talk from the Headway Guernsey brain injury charity, for which a collection was held.
Healthspan boss Mr Coates, who mentored the winning business, said it had been a privilege to work with the young entrepreneurs.
‘I have been introduced to young talent in Guernsey that I didn’t even know existed.
‘If you’re young and you want to learn dance, music and singing then these are the guys you would want to teach you because they have the respect.
‘What is there for young people that they can really relate to? Where can they spend their days without hanging around Town? It’s something we need in this island and I’m delighted they won.’
Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon congratulated all the contestants.
‘It’s been a splendid evening and a huge pleasure to witness the passion of these young people,’ he said.
‘We must keep this going and after the great experience of tonight I have no doubt that it will be.’
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5 Article Comments
oh my god!!! i’ve bin waiting for this for ages we have had no street dance lessons on thhis rock and that is what people my age want, that is the sort of thing were in to…maybe if there was more stuff like this on the island then there would be less teen crime because then they have something to do
I forsee that this may be another failed project, as the youth today neither appreciate or respect facilities provided for them. I wish Mr Turner the very best of luck in his business venture and sincerely hope he succeeds, but fear that he will struggle to make this work in the long term.
“There’s nothing for us to do” is heard all too often, when in fact, there is plenty to do! You just have to look further than the end of your nose. It also falls to the parents of bored youngsters to encourage their children to participate in hobbies and pastimes other than hanging around on street corners or glued to their games consoles.
i think its absolutely wonderful for the young people in the island to have a chance to become involved in the growing urban culture in a safe and secure environment, and that if more similar projects were started there would be much less excuse for youths to be spending time hanging around on street corners. “we have nothing to do” is the common cry. well here you go.
Street Dance lessons were previously offered by ACTS before it closed down, so it isn’t the first time that street dance has been offered here in Guernsey…
why not let the people vote funny how we didint now anything about this contest