Local groups taking part in an entrepreneurial charity fundraiser will be hoping to impress a Harrogate man with a proven track record in TV boardroom battles.
Saint Michael’s You’re Inspired Apprentice-style event, which is in aid of the local charity, will see successful Harrogate-born businessman Leon Doyle take his place on the judging panel.
It will be a welcome role-reversal for Leon who became a household name earlier this year thanks to a successful appearance on BBC1’s The Apprentice, where he impressed Lord Sugar in a series of business tasks.
The 26-year-old Master Menu entrepreneur said:
I’m delighted to be involved in You’re Inspired and I’m looking forward to seeing the entrepreneurialism of the teams taking part.
Saint Michael’s is a charity close to my heart as I’m a Harrogate lad and it is fantastic that local people and businesses are throwing their weight behind such innovative fundraising events like this.
I will miss not being involved in the money-making but it will be nice to be sitting on the other side of the table this time!
Eight teams have already signed up and organisers will be welcoming new sign-ups until the registration deadline on Friday September 16.
Participating teams will be given a £100 loan and the month of October to use their entrepreneurial wiles to grow the investment and make as much money as possible for Saint Michael’s, the charity that cares for more than 2,400 people each year who are affected by terminal illness and bereavement.
It costs £3.9m for Saint Michael’s to maintain its current level of services each year and more than 80 per cent of this figure comes from gifts from people in their wills, general donations, and events like You’re Inspired.
Saint Michael’s chief executive, Tony Collins, said:
Having Leon judging the teams will add to the sense of occasion that this event creates.
We’re absolutely thrilled he has dedicated his time to Saint Michael’s and I’m sure it will spur on our competitors to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit of You’re Inspired.
In last year’s event, teams’ activities ranged from curry nights and leg waxing, to buying and selling stock for the whole month.
Leon will present the loans to team leaders at the grand opening at Saint Michael’s on Thursday September 29 and then take his place on the judging panel alongside chief executive Tony Collins and David Turner from event sponsors Unit 4 of Harrogate on Wednesday November 2 at the Crown Hotel for the awards evening.
Teams are made up of a maximum of six people and the entry fee is £30 per
team. The winners and stand-out performers will receive prizes and trophies.
For more information or to register a team call (01423) 879 687 or email fundraising@saintmichaelshospice.org.
