Our Dragon’s Lair competition aims to find young entrepreneurs with ideas for a new product or service.

S3 pupils from all schools in the area are invited to take part in the competition. They will work with advisors from Business Gateway Lanarkshire to write a business plan before the top six teams will present their ideas to the panel of Dragons.

Yvonne Weir, Enterprise Manager said: “We are delighted to be able to run Dragons Lair again this year. It provides our S3 pupils with a superb insight into setting up a business as a potential future career path.

“The pupils are supported by their teachers and Business Gateway Advisors but the idea and content comes from the pupils. In previous years we have seen such a high standard of business plans and presentations, which is down to the enthusiasm and commitment by those who apply, as well as the knowledge and confidence they gain throughout the process.”

Information has been sent to all secondary schools in North Lanarkshire, and pupils should discuss ideas with their teachers who can register up to two teams per school by 4pm on Wednesday 23 March.

The last winners of Dragons Lair were Coatbridge High School with their idea of portable traffic lights, powered by rechargeable batteries, for use by emergency services and repair teams to direct traffic away from scenes of accidents, breakdowns and emergency road repairs.

Scott Webb of UK Steel Enterprise, sponsors of Dragons Lair, said: “UKSE is delighted to be involved in Dragons Lair again. It is a fantastic initiative to introduce our young people to the world of business and the potential of starting up their own company one day.

“I never fail to be impressed by the ideas the pupils come up with and can’t wait to see what we get this year. I urge all teachers to encourage their S3 pupils to apply.”