A BOLTON solicitor listened to a group of Blackburn students when they discussed British companies.

It was part of a national programme aimed at finding out people's perceptions of UK business.

Alan Lewis, a partner with Bolton solicitors Keogh Ritson, visited the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Blackburn as an "ambassador" for the Institute of Directors' HUB Initiative.

Mr Lewis, an ex-pupil of the school, heard the students argue that many UK businesses do not give young people a chance to show what they can do.

He said: "They displayed a level of awareness and insight into business issues which was encouraging for both this Forum and for the future of British business if these people are our next generation of business leaders."

But there was a general feeling among the sixth formers present that too many firms did not consider the fact that today's young people are tomorrow's entrepreneurs, professionals and business people.

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