Young entrepreneurs who have founded their own businesses through a project based in Battersea Arts Centre pitched to MPs and community leaders at an afternoon tea in the House of Commons. 

The Agency is a project that originated in Rio de Janeiro in 2011 and now runs in Wandsworth through the arts centre in Lavender Hill.

Each year, a number of young people, aged 15-25, are given a grant to put into a social initiative to meet the needs of the community in some way.

From Battersea, success stories include Christian Gordon and Jamel Hall, who will be opening a recording studio soon to launch Talent Scene, which will manage artists and put on events across the borough.

Mr Gordon is also now a published author, having worked on a photo project on the Winstanley estate after being recommended by council leader Ravi Govindia.

Abdiwahab Musse, 16, started Universal Language, after his own issues learning English when he arrived in the country with his family.

Using the tagline, I Speak Football, the project works with new arrivals to the country and helps them learn English and integrate with other people their age.

Daisy Kateeba works with friend Shaniqua Simon on Baby Reign, a project to help young mothers who feel isolated in the community work together and 'skill share'.

The pair sell children's clothes with slogans thought up by the mums who attend.

Agents take part in creative workshops, develop research skills and create professional networks to make their dream a reality before pitching their idea to receive the grant of £2,000.

Jane Ellison, MP, said: "The Agency demonstrates very clearly the power of the arts as an enabler, helping to transform young people’s lives, in Battersea and elsewhere.

"Having been a judge on an Agency panel, I have seen first-hand the enterprising projects created by local young people. The support and network that the Agency provides for is vital to helping them promote their work.

"I am delighted that such an innovative project has been nurtured in Battersea, and I hope that it will go from strength to strength as the word spreads."

The Agency will be recruiting young people aged 15-25 over the summer for the next cycle starting in September. Visit Battersea Arts Centre website for more information.