Dragon turns to Cornwall College

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Peter Jones

High profile businessman Peter Jones, of Dragons’ Den fame, is set to launch his Enterprise Academy in the south west after Cornwall College was named as the country’s second regional hub.

Budding young entrepreneurs in the region will receive a kick start to their career from September when the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy courses will start at Cornwall College and Duchy College.

The Enterprise Academy was founded by Peter Jones CBE in 2008 to nurture young entrepreneurial talent through further education, where young people can develop their business skills with the aim of setting up their own business.

The only other hub in the UK is based in Buckinghamshire, which oversees courses run by colleges in the south east and north of England. In the same manner, Cornwall College will oversee courses run by the Enterprise Academy in Devon and Dorset.

Jones commented: “2011 marks a very important year for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and key to this is today’s exciting announcement about the opening of a new Peter Jones accredited college in the south west. I am delighted to welcome Cornwall College on board and would like to thank them for their support.

“We are in what the Prime Minister has called the UK’s ‘most entrepreneurial decade’. I believe that now is a critical time to engage and inspire our future entrepreneurs.”

Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College, added: “Being named as the south west hub for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is excellent for Cornwall College and for students in the region.

“Receiving this accreditation from Peter Jones, a well-respected figure in the business world, shows the faith he has in our ability to deliver business-related courses.”

With limited places available, 16 to 19 year olds hopeful of securing a place will have to attend an assessment day to prove they have the entrepreneurial spirit required to succeed.

The first assessment day at Cornwall College will be held on Friday July 8. Those interested in applying can find out more by emailing enterprise@cornwall.ac.uk or calling 0845 22 32 567.