Young entrepreneurs were given words of inspiration from former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell.

The businesseman, who is the Mayor of London’s Ambassador for Training and Enterprise, was the guest of honour at a prestigious awards ceremony at Havering College of Further and Higher Education at the Queen’s Theatre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch on Monday October 15.

Tim said: “I am passionate about education. You should realise that you can achieve whatever you want to put your mind to. As students of Havering College you have a very supportive network of staff and alumni who will do as much as they can to make you successful. The next stage is about a positive attitude, focusing on the things you love to do and putting all your time and energy into it.”

Almost 500 people attended the college’s sparkling Further Education Awards and prizes were presented to more than 80 students for a wide array of achievements.

Tim, who holds an MBE for Services to Enterprise Culture, delivered the motivational address about his own journey to success.

He was brought up in Stratford by his single mother from Jamaica, left school with three A-levels and 11 GCSEs, and was the first in his family to go to university where he graduated with a BSc in Psychology.

He joined London Underground and worked his way up a managerial position before competing in the BBC TV series The Apprentice when he was crowned the first winner by Lord Alan Sugar.

Tim has gone on to found the Bright Ideas Trust – a charity to help young people turn an idea into a business by providing advice, funding and support. He also has a property company.

Earlier in the day, Tim visited the college’s Ardleigh Green Campus where he ran a masterclass for business students.

Pupils from Havering secondary schools also came along to take part in an enterprise competition judged by Tim.

Teacher Anthony Pau, Head of Business Studies at Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College, said: “Meeting Tim Campbell has been fantastic. He’s a boy from the East End of London who can show students it doesn’t matter what your background is or where you have come from, if you work hard you can achieve success.”