Jack Bennet- BBC Teen Entrepreneur

I couldn’t let a blog post pass without mentioning my 16 year old brother Jack Bennet, who was named BBC’s “Teen Entrepreneur” at the Radio 1 Teen Awards this week.

Winners with Katy Perry, Nick Grimshaw and Fearne Cotton (Jack on the left in the grey shirt).

Jack has an unusual business; in between his school work he breeds and sells rare chickens. He also sells fresh eggs to friends and family and creates handmade hutches…. and all this in our parents’ back garden. He started keeping chickens as a hobby when he was 12 and expanded his interest to a business when he noticed a bit of a niche in the local market. I had left home when this began so am always surprised and impressed to discover the egg-cellent (sorry… couldn’t resist) new things he’s doing when I pop back for a visit. Find out more about Jack’s business on his website.

Some of Jack’s chickens.

Two other individuals were presented with teen awards inbetween performances from various artists. Alex Williams (Teen Hero) and Connor Rowntree (Teen Community Hero) have both overcome personal challenges and their inspirational stories and involvement with the local community helps others facing difficulties.

It’s not always easy for young people to do something different or stand out amongst their peers. These three individuals have done so, however, and haven’t given up or taken the simplest path. Congratulations to all the winners- there were a lot of very proud friends and family members cheering you on!

You can hear a short clip about Jack’s award, complete with comment from Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, here: