The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is working with East Ham teenagers to create a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Stephen Timms MP backed the project, which will involve the FSB giving pupils the chance to cultivate their own business or social enterprise over the academic year.

“This is great news for East Ham,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the new businesses created by local young people as they set themselves up, come up with new ideas for products and how to market them.”

His constituency is one of six trialling the pilot scheme, which will involve the FSB teaming up with charity Young Enterprise to promote business-backed education.

The London Region of the FSB’s chairman, Steve Warwick, said the project would excite pupils and develop ambition.

“We are thrilled to be working with Young Enterprise and the next generation of entrepreneurs from our community in East Ham,” he said. “And we are delighted at the support from Stephen Timms. This helps us as we excite and educate kids in the local area, developing their passion and ambition for the world of work and vocational education and putting some on the path to become the next generation of successful business people.”