| Young Enterprise | Founded in 1963, UK registered charity Young Enterprise runs a range of business and enterprise education programmes for more than 280,000 young people each year through the support of 3000+ businesses and 11,500+ volunteers. Students aged 15 to 19 set up and run their company over the course of one academic year. They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, and market and finance a product or service of their own choice. At the end of the year they present a report and accounts to their shareholders. Students gain experience of the real world: taking responsibility and being accountable to their shareholders for the running of the business. |
So what do you do when you're a teenager, in a band, and the only gig you've actually played so far is in your mate's bedroom? You're too young to join the line up at the local pub, and most of your fans wouldn't be able to get through the door anyway! YOU know you're band's going to be the next BIG thing, but you need somewhere your parents would approve of to show off your talents - so what do you do?
 | | Rench |
Well if you're lucky enough to live in Bedfordshire, twelve entrepreneurial sixth formers from Harlington Upper School may have the answer. With the help and support of the Young Enterprise charity, 'Had to Be There' was founded - a business run by teenagers for teenagers to promote Bedfordshire's most up-and-coming unsigned bands and provide safe, successful nights out for young people. Catering for band members aged 15 - 19, the business produces and sells merchandise but more importantly for young fans of live music, puts on regular gigs to showcase youth music in Bedfordshire. Sell out Their last gig, featuring In5ight (Harlington 6th Form), Rench (Redbourne 6th from), Drop the Holiday Theme (Harlington Yr 11) and Hekz (Harlington Yr 11), was held at Harlington Upper School in February and was a sell out event.
 | | Drop The Holiday Theme |
"We knew as soon as we heard about the project that we wanted to take part." said Managing Director Jack Etherington, "We are all passionate about music and know just how difficult it is for people of our age to find somewhere safe where they can show off their talents." Just like any other company, the team of twelve all have their own important roles to fulfil and meet regularly to implement plans and brainstorm ideas. Marketing Director, Stephanie Kitchiner said "With the support of our Head of Business Studies, Mr Temple and our Young Enterprise advisors Keith and Nigel, we've learnt so much already about running a successful business." Competing 'Had To Be There' will be competing against other Young Enterprise initiatives from schools across Bedfordshire and are currently focusing on their presentation to the judges. They are also well on the way to staging a 'Battle of the Bands' competition which will include a series of preliminary rounds involving young bands from across Beds, Herts and Bucks, culminating in a Grand Final Night in July at the Bedford Corn Exchange. 'Had To Be There' are:
 | | The 'Had To Be There' Team |
Jack Etherington
Stephanie Kitchiner
Robin Thomas
Andrew Green
Sean Healy
Buff McClurg
James Hare
Oliver Shorley-Smith
Jon Somerscales
Rhiannon Sykes
Lauren Sharpe
Rebecca White | 
