Icing on the cake for Daniel

YOUNG businessman Daniel Arundel has won £1,000 in finishing as runner-up in the Peter Jones National Entrepreneur of the Year competition.

Daniel (18), who studies with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Oldham College, was one of six finalists chosen to pitch his Chadderton-based Arundel Bakery company to Dragon’s Den star Jones himself.

As runner up, Daniel received a cheque for a £1,000 investment by Jones at the organisation’s graduation ceremony in London.

The money — donated by IT solutions provider Softcat — will go towards his bakery business, which specialises in premium cakes and desserts for customers with food allergies.

Daniel said: “I really didn’t expect to get a prize, so it was quite overwhelming. I had a bit of a flashback to when I started college and then my journey through to being on stage with Peter Jones.

“The £1,000 will go to good use, obviously, but for them to actually recognise the things that I’ve done makes me feel proud.”

Since the start of the course Daniel has quadrupled his business.

Shazia Afzal, Oldham College’s business enterprise manager, said: “We are exceptionally proud of all our students who have graduated from the PJEA.

The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is a nationwide network of colleges offering specialist courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship.