Page 8 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

Joint Service News
CADETS HEAD TO BUSINESS SCHOOL WITH YORK ST. JOHN
UNIVERSITY
By Captain Vicki Brooks
Over the weekend of 6-7 July, cadets from all three services attended a Tri-Service Business Weekend at York St John University, Business School, an event aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. The event concept was created by Colonel Simon Banks-Cooper, and then developed and hosted by the Business School at the University.
The weekend commenced with a series of introductions, setting a welcoming tone for the cadets. A highlight of the opening session was an inspiring keynote address by Cherie Federico of Aesthetica magazine. Her story captivated the audience and provided valuable insights into the entrepreneurial world.
Following the keynote address, the cadets engaged in dynamic group discussions where they brainstormed and shared innovative business ideas. These sessions not only encouraged creative thinking but also fostered camaraderie and collaboration among cadets from different service branches.
After a brief intermission, the cadets reconvened in the classroom to delve into the fundamentals of business planning. They attended an informative session on SWOT analysis, where they learned to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with starting and running a business. This session equipped them with critical analytical tools essential for business strategy development.
Throughout the weekend, the cadets worked in groups to develop their business ideas further. They conducted comprehensive research and analysis, preparing for a "Dragon's Den" style presentation. On the final day, they presented their business concepts to a panel of leading business academics from York St John University and local business leaders. This hands-on experience provided the cadets with invaluable feedback and real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.
Cadets with the winning business idea and presentation were awarded a prize, recognising their creativity, hard work, and strategic thinking. Additionally, those cadets who successfully completed the weekend earned credits towards their academic journey should they choose to
The event concluded with cadets feeling inspired and better prepared to embark on their own business ventures.
attend York St John University in the future. Colonel Simon Banks-Cooper, Honorary Colonel
HSY ACF said: "What a wonderful university campus on which to spend the weekend learning about business and enterprise. An opportunity that not only allows cadets to develop their knowledge, but also experience firsthand how many of the skills they acquire within the Cadet Forces overlap with those required in business and gain an accredited qualification too. Proving again the relevance to employers and social impact Cadet Forces deliver. My sincere thanks to everyone at the York St John University Business School for hosting the cadets so magnificently and for putting this event together.”
Dr Rebecca Biggins, Associate Dean, York Business School said: “It’s a huge privilege to be hosting the first Tri-Service Enterprise weekend at York Business School, at York St. John University. Having the cadets on campus, discovering how businesses work, exploring their own business ideas and thinking about their future careers is an amazing opportunity for them - and us. We trust this will be the first of many”
The event concluded with cadets feeling inspired and better prepared to embark on their own business ventures. This weekend marked a significant step
in bridging military discipline and entrepreneurial spirit, setting a precedent for future collaborative events aimed at empowering service members.
1st Place; LCpl Freyjah Hawley- Kirkby, Colonel Simon Banks- Cooper and Vice Chancellor Professor Karen Bryan
8 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2024