Solihull Sixth Form College students learn from business entrepreneur  

Aspiring entrepreneurs at Solihull Sixth Form College had the chance to question a business owner about what it takes to build your own business from scratch.

Ex-student Juliet Barratt came into the college to talk about founding the nutrition brand Grenade.

Year 12 A level Business learners attended a talk in the college's main lecture theatre to hear about Juliet’s journey from starting the business from scratch in Solihull to selling the business to Cadbury’s owners Mondelez.

Juliet was able to share with students the successes and the pitfalls of starting your own business and the excitement that comes in the early years of striving to find a place in a crowded nutrition market.

Juliet talked about the marketing strategies Grenade employed to stand out from the crowd and detailed the timeline of how their product evolved from a weight-loss product to a high-protein, low-sugar chocolate bar.

There was time at the end for queries, and the students asked insightful questions about the business and asked for advice for their own careers.

Business, accounting and law curriculum leader Michael Albanese said: “This is the second time we have welcomed Juliet Barratt back into Solihull Sixth Form College.

“It was fantastic for our young people to hear from a former student who has gone onto achieve such success. Juliet gave a fascinating insight into the journey she has been on and how a product the students were all aware of has grown.”

Open evening takes for the College place on Wednesday 25 November (5.00pm – 8.00pm). Free tickets can be booked online.