Into The Dragon's Den

Mark Hambling partner and personal injury expert at Rogers & Norton swapped his usual role of fighting for justice for personal injury victims to become a dragon in the Brundall School Dragons Den. Joining other local business leaders from Oriental Rugs Norwich, Pymm & Co, Bugdens and Norwich City Football Club, Mark heard seven pitches from business formed by groups of year 6 pupils at Brundall School.

The pitches for investment came from potential businesses ranging from a milkshake and Brownie company, a school fitness DVD and a loyalty scheme encouraging children to eat fruit. Each business obtained investment ranging between £20 and £50 and each dragon will now support the children as they strive to develop their business and make a profit to enable interest to be paid back to the investor.

Mark Hambling, Personal Injury partner, has invested in a fitness DVD company which plans to produce a DVD filmed in the school, using the school pupils to be sold in the summer term in the run up to the Olympics. Commenting on the event Mark said, "Whilst I know little about fitness DVD's, as a parent I know how good it is to see your children on screen or in the press. I therefore hope my teams DVD will certainly sell well to the parents in the Brundall and surrounding area".

The pupils worked very hard in preparing for the event and as part of their studies had prepared business plans, marketing strategies and projections. Their presentation of their business proposals to the Dragons was excellent and they engaged in debate and negotiation with the Dragons in a very professional and measured way. Mark commented " I was very impressed with the pupils enthusiasm and skills and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with a group of very able children".

Rogers & Norton were delighted to be one of the supporters of this event and we hope to see some entrepreneurs develop in the future from these year 6 pupils.

Thanks must also be given to Mr Ed Dooley the year 6 class teacher and Brundall school for their hard work in arranging the event. Further reports and pictures of the pupils can be seen on the front page of the Evening News today (16th March 2012) and in todays Eastern Daily Press.

Mark Hambling can be contacted on 01603 675637 or mbh@rogers-norton.co.uk.