Internet generation

I was asked to present to students the National Enterprise Academy, set up by the Peter Jones Foundation at Amersham and Wycombe college. I am really passionate about the academy, so it was great to be there. I started by asking how many of the budding entrepreneurs were using the internet in 1997, the year Urban Media launched - the only hands that rose were those of the lecturers!

Back then, blogging didn't exist, and it was cool to have an "under construction" sign on your webpage, in two colours and animated!! 

While the session wasn't specifically about the web, I was swamped with questions relating to the internet. It's clear the next generation see the web as their first place of opportunity, and it is entirely natural to them. They don't need educating about the "psychology of the user" - they were born that way. 

These guys are the cream of the crop in terms of young entrepreneurs. If they are thinking this way, how will the world of commerce look in 12 years from now? Just 12 years back, we had animated graphics and 14k modems, how will we use the web a decade from now? If we are to survive, we need to really get under the skin of this medium; in a few years, the serious players will be coming! As you would expect, Urban Media will be there to help them achieve their goals, but the challenge is definitely with each of us to consider how we could be more effective online.  

How did I do? Check out the comments from one of the academy students, on his blog

Dragons, awards – and a reflection on improving education

What a month December was. I am totally committed to helping today's kids have a better, more relevant education, and it was great to do something practical towards that, as well as be recognised for the efforts we have made so far.

First, it was off to Marlow to meet up with entrepreneur Peter Jones, and sit with him on a panel to review the candidates for his forthcoming academy. It promises to be a great opportunity for those who make it; and I hope it will create a new culture in education, providing young people with a feel for the options they have in the world of business.

Then I was off to London for a presentation, to receive a National Education Business Partnership Network Award; a bit of a mouthful, but recognising Urban Media's involvement in helping build the partnership in south Bucks. It was really thanks to the Education Business Partnership team at Bucks County Council that I received the award.

Our involvement with education has been great so far. Not least, because our support for the diploma has put Urban Media around the same table as well-known brands including JCB, Vodafone and John Lewis.