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Students ‘Wing’ their way into Entrepreneurship

As W.B. Yeats is reputed to have said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” That fire was certainly ignited in our Sixth Form Business Studies students during an inspiring talk by former pupil Jack Wing (CO14) of Wing of St Mawes.

Jack shared his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on his bold decision to acquire a failed business and the lessons he learned along the way. He provided a fascinating insight into the process of business acquisition, from evaluating risks to navigating challenges, offering our students a glimpse into the realities of entrepreneurship.

Central to his decision-making were three key financial documents: the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, and Asset Register of the failed company. With this data, Jack guided the students through the valuation process, encouraging them to think about factors like potential value, return on investment, and strategic advantages.

In a hands-on exercise, students were tasked with valuing the business based on the available information and making an offer that reflected its worth to Jack and his company. Through this exercise, they were able to simulate the decision-making process involved in acquiring a new business and the complexities of valuation. By comparing their suggested ‘best and final bids’ with Jack’s actual offer for the failed company, they were able to experience how the acquisition came together and were surprised by the outcome.

Mrs Royden, Teacher of Business and Economics, said, “Jack’s talk brought business theory to life, offering students real-world insights whilst inspiring critical and strategic thinking. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to see the challenges and decision-making processes involved in entrepreneurship.”

A big thank you to Jack for sharing his insights, energy and enthusiasm. His candid presentation extended learning beyond the curriculum, demonstrating the sort of decisions entrepreneurs make in the real world and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.