Billionaire lauds primary for entrepreneurial flare

Jan 18 2013 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald

Ayrshire entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter congratulated Springside Primary on raising thousands of pounds through his enterprise company.

Springside Primary managed to raise over £1800 through Sir Tom’s enterprise company Micro-Tyco and invited the 51-year-old billionaire to their class to ask him questions.

Pupils of the composite primary 6 and 7 class started with £1 and managed to buy, sell and trade their way to £1800, when they only intended to raise a few hundred pounds.

The class arranged fun days, sold toffee apples and even washed staff cars to reach £1815.75.

Before Sir Tom made his millions, he sold shoes from the back of a van near Irvine’s Forum.

And he says that money raised by pupils will be put back into the Springside community.

“Springside Primary have raised an amazing amount of money in their community and some of it needs to be put back into the community so it can prosper.

“We want kids to see that there’s a lasting benefit from their hard work and effort.”

Sir Tom was so impressed with the pupils he’s also invited them to E-Spark in Dundonald, where start-up businesses get advice and mentoring.

With the financial climate not in the best state, Sir Tom believes that raising Scottish entrepreneurs is an integral part of Scotland’s future.

“I think having a vibrant entreprenurial community is absolutely crucial for Scotland because these are the people that can create businesses and jobs, pay tax and let Scotland prosper.

“We can’t really depend on huge companies coming here - we’ve got to plot our own future and our own future is people in Scotland starting to build their own businesses.”

Sir Tom blasted secondary schools for “beating out kids’ open-mindedness” when they make the transition from primary schools, explaining why early education is so important.

“At this stage in a child’s evolution, their cognitive sense is formed and they’re like sponges, therefore I want to get in their as early as possible and make sure that this information is taken on board. Hopefully we can get a positive attitude for whatever the kids want to do in life.”

Despite his intentions to change Scottish education, one pupil’s question of whether or not he’d like to enter politics was met with an abrupt answer.

“No, I wouldn’t like to be a politician. I like to make changes behind the scenes because I feel I can make a difference that way, rather than being a politician.”

Head teacher Margaret Shedden said: “I’m so proud of the children.

“Sir Tom’s analogy is so apt and Scottish education needs someone like Sir Tom to drive forward the great ideas in education.”

Sir Tom set up Micro-Tyco with the charity WildHearts. Participants get a micro-loan of £1 and they then have one month to generate as much money as possible from the money.

Micro-Tyco resumes in February 2013 and is open to schools, colleges, universities and businesses. For more information or to apply visit www.wildheartsinaction.org/microtyco.