VIDEO: Young blacksmith ‘amazed’ to win Gatwick Diamond business competition

A 16-year-old blacksmith has spoken of his ‘amazement’ at winning a business competition for young people in the Gatwick Diamond.
Young Start-up Talent winner Henry Rogers (pic by Jon Rigby).Young Start-up Talent winner Henry Rogers (pic by Jon Rigby).
Young Start-up Talent winner Henry Rogers (pic by Jon Rigby).

Henry Rogers, from Edenbridge, Kent, a pupil at East Grinstead’s Sackville College triumphed in the final of Young Start-up Talent at Lingfield Park Hotel on Monday March 3, beating off four other ideas to secure a prize of £50,000 worth of business tools.

His business idea ‘Hot Iron’, a blacksmithing business producing products from gates to ornamental heart hooks, impressed judges to win the competition, which is aimed at 16-25-year-olds in the Gatwick Diamond.

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After receiving the trophy Henry said: “It’s just amazing. I loved the process and what a fantastic thing to participate in.

Young Start-up Talent winner Henry Rogers (pic by Jon Rigby).Young Start-up Talent winner Henry Rogers (pic by Jon Rigby).
Young Start-up Talent winner Henry Rogers (pic by Jon Rigby).

“Tonight has been nerve wracking, but it was just a great competition and I’m just amazed I could be a part of Young Start-up Talent.

“My family have been incredibly supportive throughout and they have helped me a lot with the presentation and speeches.

“I look forward to increasing the business and networking with lots of other people and seeing the business grow.”

For the full story see this week’s Crawley Observer, Mid Sussex Times and West Sussex County Times.