A group of young people benefited from an inspiring business workshop at teapigs’ office in Brentford earlier this month. teapigs, a global tea company that prides itself on its ethical tea-making, supported the youngsters with their employment and business skills. The young people who attended the workshop benefit from Brentford FC Community Sport Trust’s ‘Get Set Project’, which helps vulnerable young people gain bespoke training and employment support.

Peter Shears, who is spearheading the project for the Trust, said: “Many of the young people we work with may be young carers, have learning difficulties or come from troubled family backgrounds. We want to help these youngsters overcome the barriers they face and receive the same employment and educational opportunities as any other young person living in West London.”

With the aromas of peppermint and green tea filling the office, the youngsters learnt about the mechanics of the company from six different staff – including an inspirational speech from teapigs owner Nick Kilby.

Amy Crook, who is the Get Set Project co-ordinator, said: “The young people had the chance to learn about e-commerce, media, marketing, events, sales and production in just one afternoon. It has given them a great overview of the types of jobs available at local companies.”

Ali Umar, 18, enjoyed the workshop. He said: “In my mind, as a teenager, you think you know everything. Yet this workshop is really educational; seeing first-hand how a successful business is run day-to-day. I am definitely going to go home and write up some notes on this experience.”

With offices in London and New York, and sales in 35 countries, teapigs is certainly the place for the youngsters to get into the entrepreneurial spirit.

Nick Kilby said: “teapigs want to encourage a positive and inspiring approach to working life, and we hope exposure to our wide range of employees, with lots of different skills, has inspired a teapig of the future!”