“A great event and certainly some real talent for future business leaders. Fantastic to be able to support students and a thoroughly well-organised day. Thank you.” Rachel Miller, South West Regional Director, Angels Den.

“It was incredible that the groups improved their skills so much in the course of just the one day that I saw them.” Stuart Lee, Design Consultant, Stuart Lee Design

“A fabulous rewarding experience working with the business leaders of the future. I've learnt as much as I've shared.” Marcus Robinson, Customer & Market Insight Manager, Lloyds TSB

“The ability to engage, enthuse and educate young people of this age group should be applauded. You can see how much they get out of it.” Clare Lindstrand, Managing Director, Four Group

“Enjoyable, interesting, informative. I enjoyed taking on the expert role, not only was it good fun and used my existing skills, it also allowed me to think about aspects of business development that are outside of my specialisms. It provided a mirror for my own reflections” Ben Ford, Innovation Process Manager, PERA

“The enthusiasm and initiative displayed by the young people was most encouraging” Sarah Morris, Assistant Director, Confederation of British Industry

“A truly amazing event - it is absolutely inspiring. I can recommend lots of people as experts – I will make a list for you and email it…” Julie Royston, Business Development Manager, The Una Group Ltd

"A great opportunity to engage students in creative business thinking" Kim Brookes, Founder, KB Consulting

"Its great to see so much creativity and enthusiasm – I’m hoping that they get the support to move through to be successful whatever road they go down. It was amazing fun for me too." Caroline Marrows, Senior Marketing Manger - Customer Experience, Lloyds TSB

“Six months of business development squashed into one day. Lots of fun and a massive opportunity to set up a taste of real world business challenges.” Paul Vaclik, Managing Director, Broadmedia Technology Ltd

“The Splash event is a great opportunity to sample the business brains of the future and to promote an interactive education experience with the real world.” David Cooke, Partner, The ME Group - Managing Excellence

“This is the second Working Knowledge event I have been involved in and yet again it was thoroughly enjoyable. Its great to touchbase with the creativity of young people and facilitate a rapid learning process.” Kay Cooke, Partner, The ME Group - Managing Excellence

“A true two way experience, students provide enthusiasm and ideas that spark my own imagination.” David Laud, Managing Director, i2i Business Solutions LLP


“I fully enjoyed the event. The students performed to a high level in presentations and business plans. I would recommend all businesses to be involved in the future of children via this event.” John Barany, Managing Director, The Leaning Planet (Cumbria) Ltd

“A hugely enjoyable day. Action packed and well-organised. I felt that I was able to contribute and I will definitely volunteer for other days in the future.” Annie Weir, Owner Manager, IVITA Learning

“The improvement through the day is quite remarkable and should provide confidence for the future” Paul Merone, Corporate Finance Senior Manager, Armstrong Watson

“The event was very well organised, the participants were in the main focused and delivered a very high quality series of presentations. I was impressed with the standard of both individual and team - a lot of hard work was required to reach that high a standard in so little time.” Paul McBain, Construction Manager, PPS Electrical Limited

“A great opportunity to see young people preparing to leave education and enter the workplace. The future is in good hands." Paul Clarkson, Managing Director, PA2C Ltd


“Fun and informative event format fuelled by the great interaction between the young and the 'not-so-young' within a business context”. Ollie Flaherty, Bank Manager, Barclays

“Didn't quite know what to expect, but the event was extremely well organised and facilitated. My reward was seeing young people grow in confidence and self worth throughout the day. Will get involved again if asked” Grant Gilmour, Head of Business Development, Redhall Group

“Very worthwhile - excellent networking too! Well organised with some of the pupils clearly getting a lot from from the experience” Steve Minto, Enterprise Operations Officer, University of Cumbria

“This is a great programme. I left shattered but uplifted. Truly inspriational. I am looking forward to an opportunity of working with students during the 3-day Plunge event.” Ant Hodges, Managing Director, Creativerush