Just over a month ago, I had the privilege of attending the regional heats of the Peter Jones Foundation’s National Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 competition in Brighton, an event supported and hosted by FRP.

This initiative is a standout example of what meaningful investment in youth entrepreneurship looks like. Designed for aspiring business leaders aged 16 to 21, the programme offers a platform to pitch innovative ventures and receive expert guidance from experienced business leaders. It’s not only a test of commercial viability but also an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to refine their skills, gain constructive feedback, and connect with business mentors.

Among many impressive pitches, one that truly resonated was delivered by Khamani Edwards, the 18-year-old CEO of KJ's Craft Time, a business focused on helping children develop fine motor skills through creative play. His clarity of vision, genuine passion, and commitment to social impact earned him the well-deserved title of Regional Winner in Brighton.

It was inspiring to witness the energy and ambition from all candidates. These young founders are not just shaping business ideas, they're shaping the future. The creativity, resilience, and professionalism on display left a lasting impression, and it’s exciting to imagine how these talents will evolve as the national finals in November approach.

Congratulations to all participants for their impressive business acumen and success to date. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for each of these promising entrepreneurs.

Discover more about our involvement with the Peter Jones Foundation here.