In an era where innovation and entrepreneurship are the backbone of economic growth the UK is making significant investments to encourage young people to take the leap into business. Government initiatives, school programs and community support are all playing their part in raising the next generation of business leaders. One such young entrepreneur is Zak Jeddi a 10 year old from Bromley, London, who has turned his passion into a growing business.
Starting at a Young Age
Zak has always been interested in technology. From an early age, he found himself captivated by the idea of designing and creating objects from scratch. When he first discovered 3D printing it was clear that this was something special. 3D printing offered him the ability to bring his ideas to life in a way that was both innovative and scalable. His parents encouraged him and invested in the machines, after months of research and experiments Zak took the plunge and started printing and selling his products.
The Challenge of Starting a Business in Today’s Climate
Starting a technology based business has become increasingly challenging. Economic constraints and the rising costs of materials make it difficult for entrepreneurs especially young ones to get their business moving. However, Zak is proving that age is no barrier to success. By starting young, he has been able to experiment and refine his craft without the financial pressures that burden adult entrepreneurs. His journey is a testament to the idea that the best time to start a business is as early as possible.
From Hobby to Business
Zak’s business specialises in 3D printed designs including personalised keychains, Christmas tree decorations and small gifts. His designs are creative and modern. He started by printing small items for friends and family, but word quickly spread about his impressive work. This success motivated him to take things a step further. He was able to get some advice from family who have been working in sales and business development for a services based company Efficient Home Energy in London, the advice was invaluable in helping Zak understand how a business works.
Understanding that running a business involves more than just creating products, Zak decided to bring on a school friend as a partner to help promote and sell the products. Together they have formed a dynamic team; Zak handling the design and production while his partner focuses on marketing and sales. This collaboration has allowed them to reach more customers and sell 20 products so far, a remarkable achievement for such a young entrepreneur.
The Power of Youth Entrepreneurship
The UK government has been keen on fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among young people, recognising that supporting small businesses from an early age can lead to economic growth and job creation. Programs and various school led business initiatives aim to instil an entrepreneurial mindset in students, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
Zak’s journey shows the importance of this movement. While traditional education teaches valuable academic skills, hands on business experience offers lessons in problem solving, financial management, and resilience skills that will serve Zak well in any career he chooses to pursue.
Looking to the Future
While Zak’s current sales are growing, he has much bigger ambitions. His next goal is to build his own website to showcase his products and sell them to customers worldwide. This will require personal investment in website development, ecommerce tools, and potentially scaling up his production capabilities. However, Zak is undeterred, his vision is clear, and his passion for 3D printing keeps him motivated to push forward. With determination, creativity, and a willingness to learn, anyone can turn a passion into a thriving business.
