'Paws Of Wisdom' Young Enterprise Team

A team of entrepreneurial students from The Isle of Wight College has launched Paws of Wisdom, a brand dedicated to supplying intelligent dog toys across the Island.

Competing as part of the Young Enterprise initiative, the team is up against several other groups from the College, as well as schools and sixth forms across the Isle of Wight.

The team, consisting of Katie Anne David, William Gibbons-Holbrook, Sean Brown, and Christopher Templeman, has made significant strides in the competition so far, securing investment and gaining valuable business experience along the way.

Their journey began with the first presentation on 12 November 2024, where they pitched their idea to a panel of judges in a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style event.

Their compelling concept for innovative dog toys earned them a £50 investment, giving them the momentum to refine their product and develop their brand further.

Building on this success, Paws of Wisdom took part in the Quarr Abbey Winter Market on 30th November 2024, engaging with the public and raising additional funds.

They ran a raffle for the chance to win their initial prototype, which was originally presented at the Dragons’ Den event. Selling 86 tickets, the team generated another £20 to reinvest in their business.

On 4th February 2025, they returned to the Dragons’ Den stage for their second presentation, impressing the judges once again and securing joint 2nd place, along with an increased investment of £75.

Now, the team is setting its sights on the Island Grand Final on 1st April 2025.

The winner of this final will represent the Isle of Wight at the Hampshire finals, with the potential to progress to the Young Enterprise Grand Nationals.

The students have been guided throughout their journey by their mentor, Scott Dougan, who brings extensive business expertise from the health and beauty sector.

The Young Enterprise initiative provides young people with hands-on experience in running a business, helping them to develop entrepreneurial skills, teamwork, and financial acumen.

More details about the programme can be found at: www.young-enterprise.org.uk.

For more information about Paws of Wisdom, or to support their journey, please contact the Isle of Wight College: [email protected] and your correspondence will be directed to the team.