Andrew Stephenson joined the UK’s 20 Under 20, celebrating the 20 most promising entrepreneurs school leavers. The troop of teenagers have been handpicked by TransferWise’s team of judges for an exceptional prize to help them to grow their business internationally.
Just over 1% of the total number of businesses started in the North West this year were started in Pendle. Schemes like TransferWise’s 20 Under 20 will grow that number by supporting our young people to start and sustainably grow international businesses.
Andrew Stephenson MP said, “There is a real need for practical, lucrative alternatives to expensive higher education for the young people, and it’s down to the Conservative party to support the next generation of business leaders. Over half of young people in the UK are attracted to entrepreneurialism as a career, yet just 13% of young people go on to realise their aspirations.”
All 20 finalists were given mentoring from business leaders from the UK’s fastest growing businesses like Deliveroo, Brolly, and BeautyStack, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to entrepreneurial Estonia, TransferWise borderless business accounts and £1 million worth of fee-free international payments. The lucky winner was given an additional £10,000 business investment from TransferWise co-founder and Chairman Taavet Hinrikus.
The scheme will hopefully be run again soon, and I’ll be encouraging the residents of Pendle to apply. Find more details, here.
