High school reaches regional heat of enterprise challenge

Pupils from a Colne high school have won their place at the North West final of the Young Enterprise Company Challenge.

The Year 10 teenagers from Fisher More Catholic College, whose business has enjoyed sales on online shopping site ASOS, sealed their success at the East Lancashire final of the annual Young Enterprise competition, which saw talented teenagers from five high schools demonstrate impressive business acumen before a panel of three judges.

Fisher More set up stalls alongside Hameldon Community College and Blessed Trinity RC College, Burnley, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and St Christopher’s CE High School, Accrington in the offices of event sponsors Businesswise Solutions, Nelson, to showcase the products they designed, created and are now selling.

Businesswise director Frazer Durris was a judge on the day alongside Lisa Whiteoak, director at TrainingStation and Simon Mellin, owner of Roaming Roosters, and the trio was greatly impressed with the pool of talent before them.

Frazer, whose business sponsored five local schools to take part in the competition, said: “There were some really good ideas presented to us and when we asked them questions about their chosen business models they answered with knowledge and confidence.”

Lisa said: “TrainingStation is always on the look-out for young talent to match with employers and it was really great to see how many bright individuals we have in our area.

Simon added: “Their ideas were really well thought out and I can certainly see some of them enjoying success long after the competition is over.”

Tony Hewitt, Young Enterprise manager for the Lancashire area conducted the proceedings while Anthony Brown, Business Relationships Manager at Young Enterprise North West and North Wales, assisted the judges with their deliberations.

As well as scooping the overall winning accolade, Fisher More also won the trophy for the best trade stand; Blessed Trinity won two awards for the best business report and presentation and Clitheroe Grammar for the most innovative idea.

Tony said: “The pupils put in so much effort over the year that it is good to showcase their successes and celebrate them. While not everyone can be winners, each and every school who attended has gained a great deal from taking part, whether this has been learning new skills or simply growing in confidence and each and every one should be applauded.”

Fisher More High School will now get to present their business ideas to a large audience beneath the wings of Concorde at Manchester Airport in June, setting their sights on the national finals in London.