Singing to Nelson Mandela, appearing on Dragons' Den and Jamaican Ginger Cake were just some of the things discussed when Reggae Reggae Sauce creator, Levi Roots, met Plymouth College Year 10 business students.
In Plymouth for a meeting with Burts Chips, who produce Reggae Reggae Grove Cut Crisps, Levi took time out of his busy schedule to meet the budding entrepreneurs. Charismatic Levi, who is also a musician, broke the ice with a rendition of his Reggae Reggae Sauce song. He then told the students about how he started his business and how it hit the market big time when he impressed Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh on Dragons' Den in 2007. He has since built up a 50-strong product portfolio.
The question and answer session revealed that the main people who have inspired him are his Grandmother, Bob Marley and Nelson Mandela. He also talked about moving into the cake and drinks markets with his Jamaican Ginger Cake and Caribbean Crush, and his plans to launch his products in America.
Levi and the Reggae Reggae brand with its 'Put some music in your food' mantra are inextricably linked. He says he puts himself into his products. His parting message to the students was be yourself and believe in yourself.
"It was a great honour to welcome Levi to Plymouth College", said Business and Economics teacher, Aaron Summons. "He was truly inspiring and we were delighted to hear the song that made it all happen for him on Dragons' Den.
"The students have come away with lots of tips and advice that they can put into practice when they do their Dragon Dens'-style Enterprise Challenge in conjunction with Burts Chips next year. Having someone as successful as Levi come in and talk to the students really underpins our ambition and determination as a department to bring the subject alive and apply the learning that takes place in our lessons."
Levi's visit was the first in a series of talks being organised by Plymouth College's Entrepreneurial Society. The aim of the Society is to bring business and economics alive for students and to promote enterprise and leadership in them. The next guest speaker is Wetherspoons founder, Tim Martin.
