News RSS Feed


Dancing on Ice with Swindon's Melinda Messenger Video For information on roadworks in and around Swindon Pictures Features and lifestyle with the Swindon Advertiser Repatriations through Wootton Bassett

Got a story? EMAIL US, call us on 01793 501806 or text us at 80360, starting your message with 'SWINDON NEWS'

Pupils inspired by teen trader

1:50pm Thursday 4th December 2008

comment Comments (1)   Have your say »


A YOUNG entrepreneur gave Nova Hreod pupils inspiration to follow their dreams.

East Londoner Sabirul Islam, 18, told pupils how he started a web design business aged 14 and became a part-time trader on the stock exchange at 16.

He is also thinking of launching a magazine and a cartoon series.

Year 8 pupils put his inspirational story into practice by working on a business project to create their own brands of tissues yesterday.

More than 200 pupils were tasked with managing a budget, designing a tissue box and making a television advert.

Sabirul, who has written a book – the World at Your Feet – was impressed with the pupils’ ideas. One group of pupils discarded the option of a normal rectangular tissue box and opted for a heart-shaped one.

“The response I got after the speech was extraordinary,” said Sabirul. “They have come up with various unique ideas. A lot of young people don’t put their ideas into action but these pupils have managed to think outside the box.”

Sabirul received an award from Prince Charles last week at the Mosaic Talent Awards ceremony for his business skills.

Laura Hamilton, Nova Hreod’s enterprise project leader, said: “This event is about developing skills such as team work, problem solving, communication and presentation.

“Team work and problem solving is also helpful for their classwork. I think Sabirul’s visit makes them really aware that they can do things now and don’t have to wait until they leave school. In the current economic climate they may have to think about setting up their own business or working for a small company. “ Twelve-year-old Alex Flowerday, of Pinehurst said: “The Enterprise Day has actually beeen quite good. I learnt how you really need to work in a team and should not get bossy or the project will go bang. Hearing about Sabirul’s experiences makes you think you can achieve what he did if you work hard enough.”

Bethany Mansfield, 13, from Rodbourne said: “I learnt how important it is for eveyone to listen to each other today. Group work is also important.”


Your Say YourSwindon

Justin Tomlinson, Swindon says...
2:40pm Thu 4 Dec 08

This is fantastic. When I was at school we were encouraged to sign up for 'Young Business' projects and that gave me a real taste for business, for which I now own my own small business.

Your sayYourSwindon

comment Add your comment

Register for a FREE Swindon Advertiser account and you can have your say on today's news and sport by adding comments on articles we publish. The best comments may even get published in the paper.

Please register now or sign in below to continue.




Forgotten your password?

Local Advertisers


Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »