Sunday Trip: Laser Tag, Laser Assault Somerset
On Thursday 18th September 2025, we were delighted to welcome an inspiring panel of local entrepreneurs to the Hauser & Wirth Recital Hall for our annual Enterprise Entrepreneurs Evening.
The event featured:
It was fascinating to hear their incredible success stories, many of which centred on risk-taking and resilience. When asked about funding, while John and Crispin had secured small bank loans, all of the panellists described how they had primarily grown their businesses organically.
The discussion turned to the challenges of entrepreneurship, with themes including the pressures of running a business independently, the need to continually innovate in order to stay ahead of the competition, and the ever-present issue of cashflow—a point we emphasise regularly in our enterprise teaching.
A lively debate unfolded around social media strategies, with the entrepreneurs highlighting that different platforms work best for different audiences. While Facebook was considered largely outdated, Pinterest and Instagram remain powerful marketing tools. Gavin, however, questioned Instagram’s ability to generate revenue, noting that his own organisation thrives through personal connection and email engagement via the Cloud Appreciation Society.
Our students asked some excellent questions. One wanted to know how Crispin’s journey in launching Yompi compares to his earlier experience with Kabuto Noodles. Another simply asked, “Why clouds?”—to which Gavin offered an intriguing reply: clouds spark debate, which is always valuable in terms of PR and publicity. When pressed to “kiss and tell” about his celebrity clients, John instead captivated the audience with his beautiful book showcasing Bohemia Canvas’s architectural tent designs. Klare shared remarkable insights into scaling a start-up into a thriving enterprise, revealing that the simple realisation she could make more beautiful flags than anyone—and rent them out—was the spark behind her hugely successful business.
The final question of the evening—“Did you go to university, and would you go again if you had the time over?”—brought thoughtful and varied responses. Klare spoke warmly about her time at university, recommending a foundation in art as something that ultimately inspired her to set up her business. The other panellists also agreed they would choose university again, though they acknowledged that in their time it was a much easier decision since tuition was free.
The evening highlighted not only the diversity of entrepreneurial journeys but also the shared themes of creativity, persistence, and adaptability. It was a privilege to hear from such innovative leaders, and the discussions will no doubt inspire our students in their own enterprise projects.
Marie Goffe - Head of Business and Economics
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A fantastic Swing into Spring")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A Level Business, and BTEC Hospitality and Enterprise pupils took part in a marketing masterclass")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A successful trip to London for BTEC Hospitality pupils")
.JPG&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "An inspirational trip to Bath hotels for L6th Form BTEC Hospitality pupils")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A really fun evening at the Cheese & Wine Quiz Night")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "BTEC Hospitality pupils visited The Newt in Somerset to learn about their business strategy")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Perrott Hill pupils enjoyed a Bake Off Challenge at King's Bruton")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "The U6th Form BTEC Enterprise pupils organised charity events to raise money for charity")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A wonderful Community Concert and Afternoon Tea")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Swing into Spring was a magical evening")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A fantastic trip to Spain for pupils interested in Spanish and Hospitality")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "L6th Form BTEC Enterprise and BTEC Hospitality Masterclass with Glion and Les Roches")
