Miah Maddock-Hodgins Becomes the First Home Academy Student to win National Entrepreneur of the Year
Four ambitious young entrepreneurs earned their place in the National Entrepreneur of the Year final and competed to secure a £5,000 grant for their business. The finalists presented their ideas to a panel of business leaders, including Peter Jones CBE, star of BBC’s popular show Dragons’ Den. Joining the judging panel were, Anna Banicevic, CEO of Zizoo; Tracey Jones, founder of Chrysalis Mindset Coaching; Andrew Frost, Head of Sales at IQ-EQ; Natalie Coates, Partner at Blake Morgan; and Nick Beighton, CEO of PJ Investment Group.
With her pitch Miah Maddock-Hodgins emerged as the winner. Miah, a graduate of the Peter Jones Home Academy, impressed the panel with her venture, MCR Education Hub, an inclusive educational community aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and physical wellbeing. MCR Education Hub is dedicated to supporting young people who face barriers to mainstream schooling, such as SEND learners and those in elective home education. Through tailored classes, MCR Education Hub empowers students to achieve academic success.
Miah’s journey began with the Peter Jones Home Academy, a virtual learning platform for home educated young people, providing resources and challenges designed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and mindset. Graduates of the programme, such as Miah, gain the opportunity to enter the National Entrepreneur of the Year competition, where they can explore their business ideas. Miah’s achievement marks a significant milestone for both MCR Education Hub and the Peter Jones Foundation, underscoring the impact of purpose-driven entrepreneurship in today’s world. With the £5,000 grant, MCR Education Hub will enhance their learning space and secure membership to platforms offering teaching materials.
Peter Jones CBE, Chairman of Peter Jones Foundation said:
“Selecting this year’s winner for National Entrepreneur of the Year was a real challenge. Each of the finalists demonstrated determination, drive, and resilience well beyond their years. I am delighted to have such ambitious young entrepreneurs within the Peter Jones Foundation network.”
Here are the amazing finalists who competed this year:
Noelle Subrt Holly from Anglo European School pitched NOË, a sustainable and organic perfume brand that sells therapeutic-grade essential oils alongside perfume making workshops. Noelle impressed the judges with her business and received £2,000 as this year’s Highly Commended finalist.
Brody Hamshaw from the Peter Jones Home Academy pitched ChefSelects, a meal subscription service featuring a curated set of cheffing tools and instructions booklet that teaches customers how to elevate their home cooking to Michelin Star standards.
Leah Gleghorn from East Durham College pitched Leah’s Little Delights, a dessert business offering treats for different types of celebrations and occasions with the aim of setting up a community café bringing local people together.
National Entrepreneur of the Year is the Foundation’s flagship competition. To reach the final, applicants submit business plans and an elevator pitch video with the chance to pitch their ideas to the Foundation and business leaders.
Previous National Entrepreneur of the Year winners, include Ross Bailey, Founder, AppearHere, which has gone on to raise over $20million in Venture Capital funding; David Humpston, Founder, ViewPoint Videos, who became one of the youngest people ever to receive a Virgin StartUp loan; and Jevean Barryclough who won acclaim with her Da GOAT luxury sustainable clothing brand.