There’s more to Thurrock than lorries and Lakeside – so say its
young people who are competing in the Next Top Boss competition to
put one of London’s lesser known but key neighbours on the map.
This week saw teams of 17-19 year olds compete in “Destination
Thurrock” - a challenge to design ads and slogans to showcase
Thurrock’s heritage and its growing economy. Teams have been out
and about with cameras and camcorders capturing local landmarks and
events including local festival T-Fest, in a race to come up with
the best idea for selling Thurrock. 
It is the second of four challenges which form the
award-winning, Apprentice-style competition – Next Top Boss – which
is being run locally to find the next generation of business
leaders. The contest, which has its own much-visited Facebook page,
has already raised awareness of Thurrock - just half an hour
from the City and part of the eastward expansion of London in the
build-up to the Olympic Games.
“We’ve already had some fantastic ideas for how to promote
Thurrock and help people see what a key part of the south-east it
is,” said Juliet Sychrava, director of Thurrock Thames Gateway
Development Corporation.
“South Essex is well known for being entrepreneurial and dynamic
– and our young people are showing they really can be the next
generation of business leaders.”
The competition, which has been created and organised by
Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation with Thurrock
Council and over 30 Thurrock based organisations, aims to get
young people on the career ladder, while promoting local business
and the area.
Thousands of pounds worth of prizes, given by local
organisations, are up for grabs, from jobs and work placements with
top businesses to business courses, the most up to date new
technologies including iPads, Mac-minis, Blackberrys, digital
cameras, laptops and iPhones, and a fantastic range of work
outfits.
Thurrock businesses from Lakeside to Procter & Gamble are
also throwing open their doors to show off career opportunities and
take young people behind the scenes.
On Monday, one of the groups, New Vinyl, which met at the new
Thurrock Learning Shop in Grays – which is being used as a base for
Next Top Boss – sang the praises of the competition.
“This has been really good, it’s a great experience for us and
offers brilliant prizes,” said Ife Tokan, a student at Havering
College. “I’m really enjoying the opportunity to learn about
business and I’ve already had my eyes opened to so many new
things.”
Chloe Anderson from South Ockendon explained: “When I was at
primary school we used to visit places like Belhus Chase and Arena
Essex but I admit I’d forgotten about them. Now I’m seeing them in
a new light as part of the things that Thurrock has got to offer
people who come here.”
Recruitment is now taking place for more teams to start the
competition this autumn. To take part please visit www.nexttopboss.co.uk
or call 01708 899388.