The annual Dragon’s Lair competition, the council and supported by Business Gateway Lanarkshire, to find young entrepreneurs, is inviting S3 pupils to think of ideas for a new product or service. They then attend an information session on 19 September, where advisors from Business Gateway Lanarkshire will help them write a business plan.

The business plans are scored and the top six teams will be invited to the final where the pupils present their ideas to the panel of Dragons, who select a winner.

Information has been sent to all secondary schools in North Lanarkshire, and S3 pupils are being invited to discuss ideas with their teachers who can register up to two teams per school by the deadline of 3pm on Wednesday 11 September.

Yvonne Weir, our Enterprise Manager, said: “Dragons Lair 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.”

Last year’s winners were Millie McCormick, Isla Robertson and Madison Torrance from Coltness High with their idea ‘Beauty Buddy’. This is a make-up app with tutorials and recommendations for products and clothes, based on your skin and body type.

The standard of the 2023 entries was so high that the judges selected two runners up – AquaVate from Dalziel High School, which is a smart water bottle equipped with an innovative mobile app that not only keeps users hydrated but fosters a community of “Aquavators”; and ‘Grad Lets’ from Bellshill Academy which is a service that supports new students leaving home for the first time.

Dragons Lair has been supported for a number of years by Tata Steel subsidiary, UKSE, which has been helping businesses in former steel areas with investments, loans and premises since 1975. Business Funding and Workspace | UKSE

Scott Webb UKSE’s Regional Manager for Scotland, 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 would urge all teachers to encourage their S3 pupils to apply.”

This year’s Dragons Lair is also sponsored by Livn Manufacturing based in Cumbernauld. The company has been designing and manufacturing furniture for the commercial, home and specialist sectors for 25 years. https://livn.co.uk/

Schools can submit up to two teams and there can be a maximum of three pupils in each team. Teams must be registered by teachers by 3pm on Wednesday 11 September by emailing wilsonsho@northlan.gov.uk