This week, Lifeline Alarm Systems along with a select number of like minded Isle of Wight businesses, had the pleasure of supporting an inspiring group of sixth form students on the Isle of Wight as they took part in a real-life Dragon’s Den-style investment pitch. What they presented exceeded every expectation.
Together, as local business leaders, Mark Lee from Lifeline joined a panel including Charlie Panayi of Red Squirrel Properties, Alison Lee of Biscoes Solicitors, Andrew Tapsell from Cherry Godfrey and Jonathon Thornton of PC Consultants, to hear directly from young entrepreneurs who are already turning ideas into action. These students are not working on theoretical classroom projects; they have developed genuine business ventures, driven by purpose, supported by research and, crucially, backed by pre-orders and a clear plan for future growth.
Their flagship project, Walk The Wight, is a board game inspired by the Island itself and Mountbatten Isle of Wight. Designed to encourage adventure, tourism and family engagement, the concept is rooted in something that resonated strongly with us all: finding creative ways to get people outside again and reconnect them with the Island. It was a thoughtful, well-executed idea with clear community benefits.
The aim of the pitch was simple, to secure local investment to move into production and fulfil existing demand. However, what stood out was the confidence, professionalism and maturity shown by every student. Watching young people stand up, present their ideas and respond to real-world questions from business owners was genuinely impressive. Opportunities like this provide experiences many of us did not have access to at the same age.
This is exactly the type of collaboration we want to see more of. When education, enterprise and local support come together, young people gain the confidence and practical skills needed to build real futures and communities gain innovative, motivated entrepreneurs.
We want to credit every student involved with Boundless Wight for the courage it takes to put yourself forward in a setting like this. What they demonstrated goes far beyond business knowledge; it showed resilience, teamwork and belief in their ideas.
The future of business on the Isle of Wight looks extremely positive. Events like this remind us that the next generation of entrepreneurs is emerging, energetic, values-led and ambitious.
Finally, a special acknowledgement to Tracy Osborn for her guidance and leadership. These students are a credit to the support around them, and we are proud to have played a small part in helping them take the next step forward.
