A PROMISING young Black Country entrepreneur has been given the chance to pitch his business idea to Dragons' Den star Peter Jones.

Ben Jewkes, aged 18, who attends the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Dudley College is in the running to win this year’s National Entrepreneur of the Year award.

But in order to take the title and receive investment of up to £5,000 in his company, he must present his idea to Mr Jones and an expert panel at the businessman’s Marlow offices on Wednesday (June 3).

Ben’s company, Educations Systems, is developing an app that will allow customers to revise on the go using their mobile phones.

He explained that he came up with the idea when he was supposed to be studying for his A-level exams but spent too much time browsing the internet.

“I started to think about how students could maximise their time by revising on the bus and more easily during free periods,” he continued.

“Getting in these extra hours could make a huge difference by the time exams come round.

“As well as maximising time and saving paper, the app will ensure that students don’t lose important bits of information. It will also allow them to design their own study notes.”

Ben said it was "incredible" but "extremely nerve-racking" to have the opportunity to pitch to Mr Jones, adding: “The funding would mean a lot to me – not only would it aid my business but it would fill me with confidence going forward.”

The teen, who lives in Coseley, is in competition for the award with five fellow students of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy - a network of colleges that deliver courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship - whose products range from designer clothing to air gun accessories.

To get to the last round, applicants had to submit detailed business and financial plans outlining their ideas, their progress so far and their hopes for the future.

They will take turns to pitch on the day, before facing 15 minutes of close scrutiny from the panel.

Mr Jones said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing our finalists in person.

"The quality of submissions we’ve received for this year’s award has been absolutely outstanding and picking just six to go through was a real challenge."

Dudley College's business enterprise manager Victoria Greaves added: “We are so proud of Ben and will be doing everything we can to prepare him for the final.

"He’s had a great year with us and deserves all the accolades that come his way.”