I’m so inspired by Grenfell bereaved
Dragons’ Den guru Steven gives business coaching to tower fire survivors
DRAGONS’ DEN mogul Steven Bartlett has set himself a new goal – coaching young people who survived the Grenfell fire.
The tycoon is mentoring people who escaped from the tower in 2017, in a tragedy which cost 72 lives.
And he is working with Grenfell Athletic FC, the West London community soccer club set up after the inferno. Steven, 30 – seen here joining a training session – said: “Many of them weren’t even in their teens when their lives were turned upside down by this tragedy.
“I’m amazed at how many want to start up their own businesses and can see that going through such adversity can be a real driver.
“Making the decision to start a business takes a great level of drive, creativity and determination, so it was amazing to see that in these young people.”
Among the protégés is 18-year-old Caleb French, who recently launched a digital marketing company.
Caleb quickly impressed and bagged a month of work at Steven’s digital agency. And the youngster said working with Steven was “a dream come true”.
He said: “I’ve always had an interest in digital marketing, so the fact that Steven listened to my ideas and encouraged me to keep going has given me a big confidence boost.
“The biggest thing I learned from working with Steven and his team was the importance of self-belief.”
Another budding businessman is Bobby Ross, 32, who lost his dad in the fire. He founded a community initiative in 2022 supporting locals with mental health issues. With
Bartlett’s help, Bobby managed to secure sponsorship for transport.
Mercedes-Benz Vans donated two eVito Tourer vans to help keep Grenfellinspired businesses moving efficiently and sustainably.
The vans will also be used by the football club – and Dragon
Steven was delighted to deliver them to the community in person.
He knows all about starting at the bottom and reaching for the stars, after dropping out of university at 22 to launch digital marketing agency The Social Chain.
The business has just been sold in a £7.7million-plus deal as Steven focuses on other projects – not least the Dragons.
He joined the telly panel of business investors last year, replacing vitamin guru Tej Lalvani, and is worth an estimated £300million.