Business Leader and Dragon's Den Guru Doug Richards Inspires Oundle Schoolboy

Published on isbi School News dated Thursday 9th of January 2014

Fifth Form Oundle School entrepreneur, Crawford Johnston (16), received a powerful boost when business superstar and government adviser Doug Richards described the schoolboy businessman as 'a little Apple'.

Having recently won a Young Lives 'Most Innovative Enterprise' award for his educational Creative Writing Magic Money Cards, which help 9-15 year olds improve literacy ability and score high marks in exams, Crawford was invited to be amongst the guests and delegates at an Entrepreneurs and Education Programme seminar where Mr Richards discussed the different kinds of business opportunities that exist in a wide array of markets.
From Tesco to Ryanair and from John Lewis to Steve Jobs and the latest phone 'apps', the audience was taken on an enthralling and entertaining journey describing real life examples of company stories. The business dragon listed ten questions that steer his scrutiny of any enterprise opportunity.

'It was a breathtaking analysis,' admired Crawford. 'Doug Richards could quickly cut to the heart of any venture. He was inspiring!'

A super surprise was in store when during his talk Doug Richards delivered a detailed description of Crawford's business, stating that it was a clear example of an 'innovative' product with a unique advantage, one of the proven key elements for success. He finished by comparing the 16 year old schoolboy to the late Steve Jobs, pronouncing; 'Crawford is a little Apple'.

After the seminar Doug Richards took time out to advise Crawford and direct him towards further development opportunity.

In the meantime, business is booming for Crawford and he already has sales on five continents.

Crawford is not shy when it comes to making friends with the famous and back in 2012 met the author Alexander McCall-Smith, who described his Creative Magic Money Cards as 'Magnificent' and 'a most remarkable idea.' Praise indeed.

This year, for the second year in a row, Crawford won through to be a finalist in the UK Education Investor Awards, shortlisted in the important 'Education Providers' Category.

Universities have since been in contact to discuss Crawford's success and one Scottish University Vice Chancellor even invited him to talk to students about the impact his unique and legally protected idea is having on education - astonishingly, before Crawford has even taken his own GCSE exams. Famous authors are continuing to add their names in support - and a former Prime Minister has emailed a special message of praise.

You can follow Crawford's progress at www.creativewritingmmc.co.uk .