The team of Fenella Knox, Abby Renwick and Autumn Stewart each received a gift voucher and a trophy for the school for their innovative business idea, the Tree Charge device. The vouchers were donated by Elevator who deliver the Business Gateway contract in Lanarkshire.

The leaf-shaped solar electricity power-bank allows pupils to charge their phones at school by generating energy from roof solar panels. Their slogan is ‘The Tree Charge lets you Free Charge’ and the team say their device will help cut parents’ home electricity bills and solve the problem of pupils being distracted by mobile phones in class!

Dragons Lair is an entrepreneurial initiative designed to introduce young people to the world of business and a possible career path they may not have considered. It is open to all S3 pupils in North Lanarkshire secondary schools, with 15 schools taking part this year.

“Congratulations to The Tree Charge Company on their excellent business plan, and to all the finalists who presented inspiring ideas to our team of Dragons,” said Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families.

“Listening to the pupils’ presentations, it was clear how much work they had put in to developing their initial ideas into professional, well-researched and viable plans.”

Runners-up in the event were Jessica Carty and Rhea McGeachie from Coltness High School, Wishaw with their Squeaky Sneaks project, a comfortable, affordable, durable trainer that is stain proof and waterproof. The shoes look new every time they’re worn, saves time because they do not need to be cleaned excessively and can be wiped with a wet paper towel.

Scott Webb, Regional Manager of UK Steel Enterprise, which is a sponsor of Dragons Lair, said: “I have been involved as a Dragon for a number of years and I never fail to be impressed at the ingenuity and effort the young people put into their business plans.

“It’s getting more and more difficult to select a winner and this year’s final was incredibly tough, but it is proof that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in North Lanarkshire.

“Congratulations to the team from Airdrie Academy on their inspirational business idea which impressed the Dragons with its creative approach and practical application.”

The other finalists were:

• Our Heating – Your Health from Eva Grant and Ciara Smith of St Ambrose High, Coatbridge

To help senior citizens struggling with rising energy costs, the business would give people a place to go where heating, company, food and drink will all be provided. The business would be funded by once-a-month fundraising activities carried out by local schools and by selling cakes to the local community.

• Revolte from Finn Gallagher, Louis McAteer and Aaron Strachan of Our Lady’s High School, Cumbernauld

A renewable energy company that provides electricity to the UK, it would guarantee to be cheaper than any other energy provider in the UK. The focus is helping households, hospices and hospitals in the UK during the cost-ofliving crisis.

• Wildflower Wicks from Michael Currie, Aimee Gourlay and Sophie McGregor of Coltness High School, Wishaw

An eco-friendly, reusable candle which, after it has been used, the pot turns into a plant using seeds that are incorporated into the packaging. The business will stand for being eco-friendly and recycling. The design will be bright and clean, representing the ideas of cleaning our earth by having less rubbish.

• You Can Help from Hannah Frizzell and Aimee Malone of Our Lady’s High School, Cumbernauld

This social enterprise is created to make a difference during difficult, economic times by providing a bag that contains food, drink, snacks, stationery and basic needs for schools. The bag helps parents and carers who are struggling financially.

The panel of Dragons for the 2022 event were:

• Scott Webb - Regional Manager of UKSE, which works across former steel areas to help businesses grow and create jobs by supporting them with finance and premises;
• Nadia Alexander, Managing Director and Founder of Alexander Manufacturing, which specialises in luxury, sustainable Scottish manufacturing with a twist;
• Dr Dave Hughes, founder and CEO of Novosound, an award-winning global business working across a wide range of diverse sectors including industrial, medical, and wearable markets.
• Faye Clark established her own firm Oak Accountancy Solutions and is now one of the owners of Pioneer Film Studios, one of North Lanarkshire’s newest filming facilities.