Experience of being a Dragon in the Lair

Each team of students was given £10 – generously funded by Principality in partnership with Tŷ Gobaith – as an investment to launch a mini business. Their mission? To develop a product or service to sell at the school fair, generate a profit, and return the initial investment, with all proceeds going to the charity. It was an inspiring mix of entrepreneurial spirit and social purpose. 

Representing Ambition North Wales and working in procurement – the process of buying goods and services – I brought a practical lens to the panel. By sharing my professional knowledge, I was able to help the pupils think more critically and strategically about their business plans. 

For example, value for money is a key consideration in procurement, especially in an organisation like Ambition North Wales, which is funded by the UK and Welsh Governments to deliver the Growth Deal for the North Wales region. We’re responsible for ensuring public money is spent wisely. While the pupils were operating on a much smaller scale, the same principles applied – were they making the most of their £10 investment, or just buying from the first shop they saw? Could they achieve better results by shopping around and comparing options? 

One group, for instance, planned to sell pens alongside homemade baked goods. They were considering purchasing pens from the first shop they came across, but we suggested they spend a little more time exploring other options to better understand the market to enable them to make cost-effective choices. Perhaps the second shop they visit has a bulk pack of pens and they come in different colours, bringing the cost per pen down and increasing their appeal to primary school students. Not only would that be the more cost-effective option, but the product would be more attractive and likely to sell better – a simple example of how smart purchasing can boost both profitability and success. 

Helping the students explore their options and understand the balance between cost and quality gave them a clearer view of what value for money really means – and empowered them to make better decisions with their limited investment. 

Beyond the numbers, what truly struck me was the creativity and confidence of the pupils. From handmade crafts to food stalls and interactive games, every team brought something unique to the table. They weren’t just learning about business – they were building skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience. These are the very same capabilities we value across all sectors, and it was fantastic to see the next generation already putting them into practice. 

From both a personal and professional development perspective, this was a powerful example of social value in action. I volunteered four hours of my time to support the event, stepping away from my day job to mentor and encourage young people as they explored new ideas and challenges. 

What stood out most were the conversations. Being listened to by professionals, having their ideas challenged, and receiving constructive feedback visibly boosted the students' confidence. It sparked ambition and helped them see the real-world impact of their thinking. That, to me, is the essence of social value – using our time and experience to help others grow, while helping to build stronger, more confident communities. 

The event didn’t just equip the pupils with essential skills – it also gave them a deeper understanding of why they were doing it. Learning about how the money raised would directly support Tŷ Gobaith and the children in its care brought a new level of purpose to their plans. That understanding ignited even more passion and determination to succeed. By the end of their pitches, they recognised how creating a strong, well-thought-out business plan wasn’t just about making money – it was about making a difference. 

In procurement, where value for money and community impact are key considerations, this experience brought those priorities to life. Procurement isn’t just about getting the best price and value – it’s also about supporting local initiatives that build confidence, spark creativity, and drive long-term, positive change. 

I walked away from the event genuinely inspired. The passion, energy, and innovation on display were proof that when we invest our time and resources in young people, the return on investment is truly immeasurable – for them, for the community, and for the future.