SUCCESSFUL Bournemouth-based businessman Mark Cribb has visited his old school to inspire entrepreneurs of the future.

Mark, owner of the Urban Guild of restaurants, cafes and leisure facilities in Bournemouth, re-visited Harewood College to speak to a group of Year 8 students.

His visit launched a new topic of Entrepreneurship in which the students will focus on the skills they will need to make them employable in the future.

"I've been working with schools for a number of years talking about entrepreneurship, seasonality of food, careers in hospitality, business studies and regeneration" said Mark.

"When my old school invited me to speak to their students I jumped at the chance. If just a couple of kids get inspired by our story at the Urban Guild then I’ll be even more excited."

After finishing his degree in Leisure Management 18 years ago, Mark travelled to Asia, Australasia and the Caribbean, discovering a love for hospitality.

Back in the UK he spent six years working in London but the lure of home beckoned and Mark moved back to Bournemouth, determined to bring with him the international flavours he discovered abroad and in London.

Executive headteacher of Avonbourne Trust, which includes Harewood College, Debbie Godfrey-Phaure said: "Our unique ethos is to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen in all our students so they are set up for life after school.

"We were delighted that Mark Cribb returned to school to show the boys what is achievable with determination and passion. It’s truly inspirational to see former pupils like Mark do so well with their lives and enthuse our students of today."