Exciting times as Smokin’ Beets sauce hits the shelves, created by Year 9 students from Gloucester Academy working with local legend Tom Hughes of Tubby Tom’s, as part of our third Limited Edition course.
Earlier this year, the students completed the Limited Edition business skills course, which was created by us in collaboration with Gloucester Services, to give aspiring food entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn how to create a product from scratch and bring it to market.
The course started with a visit to Tubby Tom’s HQ and the Gloucester Services Farmshop to really get the creative juices flowing, followed by some classroom based sessions where the students learnt about everything from costing to pitching their product to a panel.
At the end of the course the students pitched two sauces to a panel, with Smokin’ Beets the overall winner, going straight into production at Tubby Tom’s.
Towards the end of the summer term we invited the students back in with Tom to see the product they had created on the shelves! Lucy Blick, Associate Assistant Head Teacher at Gloucester Academy said:
“The Year 9 pupils involved with the project ranged from a variety of backgrounds, attainment, attendance and friendship groups, but all applied to take part in this opportunity to propel their business skills. The impact is arguably immeasurable, from a shy group of students with seemingly nothing in common to now a supportive team who feel confident articulating their ideas to both peers and adult stakeholders alike. We as a community are so grateful for this opportunity.”
The course may have also sparked some future entrepreneurs, as one student said:
“I’ve always had an idea for running a business, it’s always been at the back of my mind, but this has really encouraged it.”
Smokin’ Beets will be on sale exclusively in the Gloucester Services Farmshops as a Limited Edition product from July 2024. This Limited Edition course was funded by One Gloucestershire with the support of the Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub, and delivered with help from The Engine CIC and Fair Shares Community Timebanks.