Calday Grammar School’s eagerly anticipated Dragons’ Den house competition, held last Friday, unfolded into an eventful day brimming with entrepreneurial flair and innovative pitches. Six spirited teams entered the den, each with a unique business proposition aimed at addressing real-world issues, ranging from personal fitness and sustainable gardening to health and wellness solutions.
The array of business ideas pitched to the dragons included Sportify, a personal trainer app designed to tailor fitness routines to individual needs; Clean Kicks, a mobile shoe cleaning business offering convenient doorstep service; Vape Pure, a novel approach to quit vaping within 100 days through a specialised filter device; Grow, a seed subscription app paired with expert support for budding gardeners; Reviva-Lyte, an electrolyte-based hangover remedy drink; and Grow Buddy, a device engineered to track and enhance plant health.
Each team pitched to our esteemed dragons. Alan Thompson, a distinguished Calday alumnus and founder of hi-impact, an EdTech company; Paula Basnett, a leading figure in Wirral’s business development and the driving force behind Wirral Chamber; Adrian Hall, a software engineering veteran and co-founder of the BAFTA award-winning mobile game, Golf Clash; Mark Palios, a seasoned professional in the realms of sports and business, and the revitaliser of Tranmere Rovers FC; and Jill Jones, a trailblazer in the accounting industry with extensive leadership experience.
After rigorous deliberation and insightful feedback from the dragons, Reviva-Lyte (Archie W, Yr 13, Hollowell), the electrolyte-based hangover remedy drink, emerged victorious. Its innovative approach to addressing a common social ailment, combined with a clear market demand, impressed the judges the most. Clean Kicks (Harrison O’N, Yr 7, Bennett) secured the second place with its mobile shoe cleaning business, demonstrating a keen understanding of consumer convenience and market trends. Vape Pure (Safwan I & Connor D, Yr 10, Hollowell) clinched the third spot, offering a promising solution to the prevalent issue of vaping through a scientifically backed device.
Our winners will now embark on an array of amazing experiences from a helicopter ride, speed boat experience and track days. The competition showcased the remarkable talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Calday Grammar School students. It provided them with a valuable platform to present their ideas in front of an esteemed panel of business leaders, gaining not only critical feedback but also a real-world experience of what it takes to succeed in the competitive business landscape.
The success of Reviva-Lyte, along with the recognition of Clean Kicks and Vape Pure, highlights the diverse range of innovative solutions the students brought to the forefront, marking another successful chapter in Calday’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
