Bake star hoping to tame Dragon

OLDHAM College student and entrepreneur Daniel Arundel plans to be pitch perfect when he faces “Dragons’ Den” star Peter Jones next month.

The 18-year-old has been chosen as one of just six finalists for this year’s National Entrepreneur of the Year award and now has the chance to pitch his Arundel Bakery business to the successful businessman and TV star.

Daniel, who studies with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Oldham College, will present to a judging panel chaired by Mr Jones at his headquarters in Marlow on Wednesday, June 3.

The winning finalist has the chance to scoop up to £5,000 investment prize money.

Daniel said: “I’m ecstatic to be taking my business to a man I look up to and admire, but I’m also very nervous.

“I feel privileged to have been chosen for this opportunity.

“The investment would allow us to expand sooner than expected.”

Arundel Bakery specialises in premium cakes and desserts for customers with food allergies and targets four different product ranges — gluten-free, high-protein and low-fat, dairy-free, and fruit pies and crumbles.

He added: “We ensure our products are handmade with the best quality ingredients.

“We’ve also developed environmentally-friendly packaging designed to tell our story so far.”

Run by the Peter Jones Foundation, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is a network of colleges which deliver courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Mr Jones said: “The quality of submissions we’ve received for this year’s award has been absolutely outstanding and picking just six to go through was a real challenge.”

To get to the last round, applicants had to submit detailed business and financial plans outlining their ideas, progress so far and hopes for the future.

They will take turns to pitch on the day, before facing 15 minutes of close scrutiny from the panel.

Alice Barnard, chief executive of the Peter Jones Foundation, said: “The final is going to be extremely tough to call.”