STEPH MCGOVERN

Steph McGovern is an award winning journalist and television presenter. Over the past fifteen years Steph McGovern has reported on business and finance from around the world, from international summits to small business success stories.

Steph took part in our Young Enterprise Company Programme whilst studying for her A levels. Her business engaged in a variety of services, from creating calendars to washing cars. Most importantly, Steph learnt essential competencies such as initiative, problem solving and organisation.

These have served her well throughout her career. For example, Steph was awarded the title of ‘Young Engineer for Britain’ when she was 19 after using her skills to save Black and Decker £1 million whilst completing an industrial placement with the manufacturer.

The Young Enterprise Alumna has gone from strength to strength, becoming a regular face on BBC One, fronting shows such as Breakfast, Watchdog, Shop Well for Less and Have I Got News For You. Steph has also launched a children’s TV show looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs, called Pocket Money Pitch on CBBC

ALICIA NAVARRO

BEN TOWERS

Having started his first business at age 11, Ben Towers is no stranger to entrepreneurship and the world of work.

Ben Towers first participated in Young Enterprise at school through the Learn to Earn and Company Programmes. “The Learn to Earn programme encourages participants to look at different career options. I remember everyone went for the computer networker role as they take home a good income. This made me think that maybe this was something I could do for myself as a real business.

As an employer of 22 people, Ben understands the challenges of managing people.  “Managing people,” he believes, “was one of the most difficult aspects of the Company Programme.”  He feels that the Young Enterprise initiative taught him how important it is to make sure everyone is in the right positions and in roles where they can use their skills and strengths.  “Ultimately,” Ben states, “the right workforce is what makes a company successful or not, so it is important to surround yourself with the right people.”

Currently looking to hire more staff, Ben also appreciates the value of candidates’ extra curricular activities or achievements.  “If someone tells me that they have already set up and run their own business, for example through Young Enterprise, I instantly know that they have practised people management, time management and project management to a high level.  This shows me that they have a get-go attitude and it’s impressive- even if their business didn’t go very well!  Projects like Tenner and Fiver are also a great opportunity to test your money management skills, which, in modern day is very important.”

When asked what the best lesson he took away from Young Enterprise was, Ben said it was the chance to be practical.  “It is when you actually get to exercise the practical skills of running a business you really learn how things work.”

Ben is currently starring in the BBC programme, Pocket Money Pitch, alongside Steph McGovern, another passion for young people in business. The well-received show offers budding young entrepreneurs from across the UK the chance to pitch their ideas in a bid to get a year’s worth of pocket money to turn their business dreams into a reality.

Giving young people exposure to business people if something that Ben feels is vital.  “Young Enterprise brings business people into schools to tell the students all about their profession and offer their expert advice.  I remember we had a bank worker come in to our school.  This was so interesting and, without things like Young Enterprise you don’t really get to hear in the first person what a job is really like. Having people come in from different industries really does help and it is great to be able to ask them questions.”

Being so young while working in the creative industry is not without it’s struggles, admits Ben.  “I have had to prove myself and what I can do with real results.  Now that I have a strong portfolio behind me it is a lot easier.  I know it is important to be transparent with my clients and say- I’m only young, but here is what my company has done and can do for you.”

Ben is often invited to events and asked to speak to audiences and high profile business people and relishes the chance to raise awareness of what it is like to be a young person in business.  What’s next for the young entrepreneur?  Ben is looking forward to launching a new company, social media platform, Social Marley, and continuing to example Towers Design.  “It is hard to know what is round the corner and that is really exciting.  I like to know that the future is open to me.”