Young Chamber Discover Directors

As part of its increasingly busy Young Chamber programme, Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce were lucky enough to secure the time of Sanjeev Rattan, a Trainee Solicitor at Southampton law firm Eric Robinson Solicitors, to give a talk to students at Crestwood College in Eastleigh who are exploring the possibility of setting up their own radio station.

Sanjeev’s seminar focussed on the issues surrounding Intellectual Property. He explained the legal implications of the College using other people’s ideas, music and literature, particularly the importance of complying with copyright law and obtaining the correct broadcast licence.

Sanjeev set the students various practical tasks to help their understanding of the law, teach them about the obligations and restrictions on radio station activity and the financial consequences of any copyright infringement.

“It was a pleasure meeting the students at Crestwood College,’ said Sanjeev. ‘I really enjoyed presenting the seminar and the students showed genuine interest, asked relevant legal questions during the session. At the end of the session, I was really impressed when the students proved they had fully grasped the concept of Intellectual Property.’

“As a result of their positive feedback, I have not only offered to assist Crestwood College when they require advice on licensing, but have agreed to give similar seminars in the future for the Young Chamber programme on behalf of Eric Robinson Solicitors.”

The Year 10 students from Crestwood College expressed their gratitude in unison by stating that the session was very interesting, informative and Sanjeev "gave us interesting facts as they didn't know about copyright". One student explained, “the session today gave us lots of different things to think about and helped me understand what we need to consider when doing the radio show and the legalities involved”.

Another student indicated the seminar’s motivational benefit by saying "I thought it was really interesting and has made me want to get more involved". Alex who is involved in the project provided an apt summary stating that it was “a good discussion and had made the radio station structure a lot better."

Ultimately, the session left the students seriously discussing with their peers and teacher clear and focussed ideas about running a radio station. The students, whilst keeping control of the project and their original idea, are being appropriately advised in order to ensure their concept becomes a reality. Further sessions will be conducted by other Chamber of Commerce members when the students will look at financing, equipment needed and marketing amongst other aspects.