Former Dragons Den investor shows her support at launch of CoVe Enterprise in Leicester.

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The launch for the Centre of Vocational Excellence in Enterprise (CoVE) in Leicester College, welcomed original “Dragons Den” panellist and successful female entrepreneur Rachel Elnaugh to the event. CoVE was first launched by the Skills Council in 2001, aiming to help improve student’s skills for employment and strengthen links within the industry. Leicester College currently holds the CoVE status for the following course in Construction, Print Skill and Retail.

Rachel spent some time with the students discussing their ideas for the “Make Your Mark Challenge” competition, the flagship event of the nationwide Enterprise Week. The winners will receive a grant that will foresee their proposed idea becoming a reality. Last years competition saw 17,000 students enter with 3,000 teams working towards their own brief.

Rachel also delivered a speech to all at Leicester College, including students, staff and governors about the importance of entrepreneurship and the spirit of enterprise. She said, “I”m delighted to support the launch of the CoVE in Enterprise. To foster self-belief and entrepreneurial spirit is one of the most empowering and important gifts you can give to a young person.”

Leicester College is one of the largest further education colleges and has gained a reputation of excellence for offering courses that reflect the current opportunities within industry and commerce. In addition, the college is also an affiliate of De Montfort University and the University of Leicester, further providing students with high quality facilities and the benefits of higher education.

Both Leicester College and South Leicestershire College will be delivering the CoVe in Enterprise curriculum, which has welcomed a large number of students enrolling onto the courses. A spokesperson for the CoVE said, “South Leicestershire and Leicester College are delighted to be embarking on this joint venture to ensure that Leicester benefits from a sustainable approach to education in enterprise.”

Current Principle at Leicester College Maggie Galliers added, “The CoVE will aim to instil a spirit of enterprise in our students, increasing the potential for our students to go on to lead prosperous lives of financial independence.

“It’s important that we pass on the passion for entrepreneurship to the next generation. Enterprise is the life-blood of the local business community.”

Swapna Uddin