A student has developed a new range of soap as part of a Dragons’ Den-style competition to inspire more entrepreneurs.

Tania Amjid, aged 17, fwho studies Business with Legal Extended Diploma Level 3 at the Blackburn College, took part in The Enterprise Soapbox activity.

During the event students had to create a new range of soap, brand it and create a business plan before presenting it to a panel of judges.

The activity launches a series of events taking place at the college for Global Entrepreneurship Week, which takes place from November 16 to 22.

The students from a range of courses across the college were put through their paces by Andrew Bernard from Innovative Enterprise, and had just three hours to turn the project around.

They had to pitch their concepts to Mark Murray, Creative Director of TPW Design Consultants, Kate Jackson Account Manager at Viva PR and Richard Slater, Publisher of Lancashire Business View.

The judges gave feedback on their creativity and commerciality. The winning team were given a Mall shopping centre voucher and the runners up were presented with chocolates.

Mr Murray said: “As judges we were really impressed with the really high standard of the work produced. There were some really great concepts and I think it would be great to see some of the ideas worked through to become real products.”

Miss Amjid from Blackburn said: “We learned to work together as part of a team, did something practical, pitched our ideas in front of a large group and learnt a new skill. It was great fun and a great start to Global Entrepreneurship Week.

“After my course I am hoping to move on to BA (Hons) Business Studies at University Centre at Blackburn College so the activity has helped set me up for higher level study, and given me extra skills I can include in my personal statement and on my CV.”

During Global Entrepreneurship Week the college will host a range of events every day including welcoming Michelin-star chef Nigel Haworth of Northcote to talk about his businesses and The Great British Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant, who hopes to inspire students with his personal tale of rejuvenating and growing companies.

Other guest speakers include celebrity designer Wayne Hemmingway and Ian Brown, director of Graham and Brown international wall decoration group.

Nicholas Hall, Business Engagement Manager at Blackburn College said: “Global Entrepreneurship Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate enterprise across the college. Successful entrepreneurs create wealth and employment all of which will benefit East Lancashire.

“The area has a very high number of self-employed businesses and being self-employed will be a reality for a number of college students when they leave."Businesses are also looking for employees that have entrepreneurial skills.

“During Global Entrepreneurship Week there are workshops, seminars and guest lectures -37 events in total.

“The Soap Enterprise Event has launched the activities and it was wonderful to see the students pitching their ideas to our very own “Dragons” during the day. You really could see the student’s confidence grow, which tends to be one of the traits of successful entrepreneurs”