ENTERPRISING students from the North-East had an inspirational pep talk from a well-known businesswoman.

Katie Bulmer-Cooke, the Sunderland fitness trainer who took part in The Apprentice last year, spoke to students at Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street.

She gave a motivational talk before working with young people in year 12 on The Apprentice Challenge as part of the school’s Our Life After Lord Lawson event.

The student’s were given £20 and had to come up with an enterprising way to make money, which will be used to pay towards their leavers’ prom next year.

Ideas include a photo booth with funny props, a car washing service, cooking tasty treats for sale and selling ice pops and drinks during the hot weather.

Alison Jordan, head of sixth form, said: “The students loved it and were really impressed with her.

“She talked about being young entrepreneur and her skills as well as her own experience with Lord Sugar, but most of it was about her business and how she built it up.

“She gave them top tips which really linked in with their business ideas but also apply to university and how they can get the most out of it.”