Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from Knowsley took part in a Dragons’ Den Pop-Up Sale Day at QVC UK’s Knowsley office, giving them the chance to put their business ideas into practice and raise money for charities that matter to teams from the live shopping retailer.
The event followed a Dragons’ Den challenge held in November, where pupils pitched their ideas to a panel of judges from QVC and Knowsley Council.
After developing their products and planning their stalls, six groups of post 16 students from SEND schools and colleges across Knowsley were invited to QVC’s Knowsley site to take part in a live pop up sale day.
Students from Bluebell Park School included Team Luscious Lips who sold an all natural lip balm which proved popular with shoppers. Their stall also included Team Grub Hub, who sold sausage barms and snacks throughout the day.
Young people from Activate CES sold handmade fidget toys, and their popular product Hug in a Mug. The team demonstrated great customer service skills, engaging confidently with customers and handling sales independently.
Knowsley Community College offered a range of activities, including 3D printed keychains, a tombola and a Sponge Splash game, which attracted visitors throughout the event.
Students from Alt Bridge School shared positive affirmation badges through their #BadgeBrigade project, promoting kind messages and wellbeing.
The pop up sale day provided a valuable chance for young people to showcase their abilities, build confidence and take pride in what they achieved. Students commented on how the event had helped them developing a range of skills, including communication, teamwork, money handling and problem solving.
The event was delivered through partnership working between Knowsley Council, QVC UK, schools, colleges and support staff, with the aim of creating a meaningful, real life learning experience that supports young people to develop skills for the future.
