Business-minded girls seized the opportunity to quiz passionate entrepreneurs about the key to success when they were nominated to attend an inspirational event.

Three pupils from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls joined a handpicked group of local teenagers at The Shire Hall on Monday for ‘An Interview with an Entrepreneur’.

Organised by Monmouthshire Business Awards, speakers included Dr Stephen Fear and his son Leon, who together run international organisation Fear Group.

Lisa, 14, and sisters Sky, 12, and Kia 14, from HMSG were taken along to the event by the School’s Head of Physics, Anne Kavanagh.

Lisa has made it through to the finals of Big Bang, a national science and engineering competition, with her innovative car dehumidifier, Xorbit.

And Sky and Kia are no strangers to the world of business, having already appeared on BBC Two show Dragons’ Den with their game-changing Crikey Bikey harness which helps parents teach kids how to ride a bicycle safely.

Kia said: “We were given the chance to ask the five entrepreneurs questions and we found that some of them had begun businesses at a young age like us.

“We were surprised when they showed our clip from Dragons’ Den and Lisa was happy when her product and success was mentioned.

“We really enjoyed the day and we hope that these talks help Monmouth produce many more entrepreneurs.”

The girls impressed the panel, with Dr Fear mentioning them on Twitter after the event, saying: “The UK needs enthusiastic young people with high standards like you.”

Pupils also had the chance to interview Gethin Roberts, who runs Iterate design and innovation consultancy, and Kevin Mansell-Abell, winner of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Mrs Kavanagh said: “This proved a most worthwhile experience for the girls and contributed to their developing business acumen.  

“Listening to the success stories of the panel, they couldn’t help but be further motivated and reassured.”