Press release

08 September 2008

Ambitious students aspiring to become Britain's new business bosses can now cut their teeth on an Apprentice-style challenge judged by a high-level panel of entrepreneurs including the TV version's winner, Michelle Dewberry as well as Esther Rantzen. 

The NSPCC today launches its inaugural 'Hired!' challenge to encourage young entrepreneurship. The contestants will raise awareness and funds for the vital services of ChildLine and the NSPCC's Helpline. In return, they could get invaluable feedback from prominent business people on their strategy and commercial acumen in addition to winning some great prizes.

Students can from today register their team of up to four on www.nspcc.org.uk. In January, the race will be on to deliver an innovative project to be put to a judging panel including Esther Rantzen, Michelle Dewberry and Amazon.co.uk MD, Brian McBride amongst others.

From now until January, when the 10-week countdown begins, students can think up creative strategies as broad as their imaginations allow as long as they can make it happen within fundraising law! This could perhaps be to devise and market an innovative product or event.  As of 12 January, the challenge will be on to put plans to action in just 10 weeks. The judging panel will assess not only the amount raised but ingenuity, public awareness raised, teamwork and professionalism.

The entire winning team will win unprecedented two-week student placements at Amazon.co.uk. This is an opportunity that has never been available in the past and will give students essential know-how in a choice of departments for two weeks. In addition, iPod shuffles, donated by Lloyds TSB, are up for grabs for the short-listed teams and everyone taking part is guaranteed participation prizes.

Speaking of the initiative, Esther Rantzen CBE, president and founder of Childline, says: "Childline has only become a reality through responding creatively to a need. We are asking students to do the same, improving their own potential as business entrepreneurs while making an important difference to children's lives. By being short-listed, students will have the unique benefit of having a panel of accomplished business leaders commenting on their ideas. It also gives students crucial understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility which is a vital part of modern business ethics, central to customer relations and inspires financial growth and health."

The challenge is far more than philanthropy, however, and Amazon believes that participating will give students' CVs the edge when they enter the world of work.

Wendy Mansell, HR Director at Amazon.co.uk, says: "As students enjoy their university career, their thoughts may already be on their lives in the 'real' world of business. The job market is highly competitive and this initiative offers students the opportunity to gain valuable experience which will stand out on the CV. Hired! will test students creativity, project management skills, marketing ability and much more and we look forward to welcoming the winning team to Amazon.co.uk."

The students' ideas could replace or complement coursework, making it easy to incorporate into study schedules. In addition, the NSPCC Student Team will be on hand with help, advice and materials.

Online registration opens today on www.nspcc.org.uk until 12 December 2008. The 10-week challenge then kicks off in January with a 1 April deadline. Pitching to the panel will take place in April at a London venue. For further information e-mail: students@nspcc.org.uk.

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Notes to editors 

About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the UK's leading children charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children FULL STOP. Its vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. The NSPCC runs 180 projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK's free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people. The NSPCC helps over 10,000 children and their families every year.