Dragons' Den magic rubs off via link with students (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Entrepreneur speaks to Costello Technology College pupils

10:30am Sunday 6th November 2011 in Education By Emily Roberts

BUSINESS studies students were inspired by a successful entrepreneur who launched his innovative product through the BBC programme Dragons’ Den.

Neil Westwood, founder of the Magic Whiteboard, spoke via Skype to pupils at Costello Technology College as part of his nationwide tour of schools.

The businessman appeared on series six of Dragons’ Den, when Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis invested £100,000 for 40 per cent of his business.

He spoke to Year 10 students about his product – the world’s first portable whiteboard on a roll which is now sold in various shops including Ryman, Staples and WHSmith.

He told pupils about how he set up his business from nothing and offered tips on how to run a business.

Mr Westwood said: “I feel passionate that we should encourage entrepreneurship in this country and nurture our talent. The Magic Whiteboard has seen huge success thanks to the fact that I have had some wonderful business mentors.

“My product is widely used across schools and colleges in the UK, and I realised that this provides me with a great opportunity to meet students and share my experience.

“Now when students use my Magic Whiteboard, they’ll understand the process behind creating a successful product from start to finish getting it out to market.”

Liz Hall, head of business studies at Costello, in Crossborough Hill, said: “The students are looking at entrepreneurial skills and they found the session very interesting.

“They could ask Neil questions about how he set up the business and what he’s going to do now. He gave them advice about setting up a business and how to develop a product.

“They found it generally interesting to chat to someone who has a successful business and it was very worthwhile. It’s the first time we have done something like this through Skype.”