De-Lux feel as contest hots up (From Dorset Echo)

De-Lux feel as contest hots up

12:41pm Thursday 14th October 2010 in Young Enterprise

Enthusiasm and aspiration among the 14 new Young Enterprise companies is high as each business starts to research and develop their innovative products.

So far fifteen schools have entered pupils in to the business challenge. Each company is supported by a local business volunteer who guides and advises the young entrepreneurs in how to set up and manage their company.

Students at Clayesmore school in Blandford were the first to register their company Lux, with each pupil taking on their own directors’ role.

Lux is advised by Barry Gater and John Oldham who said: “It is very rewarding to have the opportunity to be a company advisor for Young Enterprise.

“This year’s team from Clayesmore has already proved themselves to be both enthusiastic and ready for the challenge, we have high hopes for their progress through the various stages of the Company Programme.” Whilst Clayesmore participates as a single school, pupils from Talbot Heath School, Parkstone Grammar School, The Bishop of Winchester Academy, Portchester School and Bournemouth Collegiate College mix to form multiple school companies.

This encourages an even greater appreciation of each other, team work and communication. JPMorgan advise three Young Enterprise companies, led by Phil Paige.

He said: “As an advisor to the Young Enterprise Company programme I’ve been privileged to work with some extremely hard working, enthusiastic and innovative young people. Young Enterprise offers a great deal to the participants, both the achievers, who gain a truly valuable insight to the world of business, and the advisers who get a great opportunity to improve and practice their coaching skills.”

Companies are currently selling shares to raise the funds to get their innovative products off the ground.

On November 8 the young directors will have the opportunity to network with other companies and learn more from business experts about their specific role.

Companies will then continue to research their product before marketing and selling at trade fairs during Christmas and beyond.

Many companies choose to continue and trade long after the Young Enterprise year has been completed.

Companies across Dorset are all hoping to win the Company of the Year competition and represent Dorset at the National innovation awards next summer. UK chief executive, John May, said at the 2010 innovation awards: “The Company Programme plays an integral part in the development of young people, harnessing their creativity and innovation as tomorrow’s business leaders, entrepreneurs and enterprising employees.

“If the teams that I have had the pleasure of meeting at this year’s awards are anything to go by, the future of UK plc is in good shape.”

For more information about the programme please see young-enterprise,org.uk/company and contact hannah.cook@yesw.org.uk to find out how to get involved either as a business volunteer or school.

Teams and schools taking part

Viridis (Parkstone Grammar School, Talbot Heath School) Meninas Industries (Avonbourne School; The Grange (The Grange School); INJESS'T (Talbot Heath School, Bishop of Winchester Comprehensive School, Parkstone Grammar School); Estupendo (Corfe Hills School), Lux (Clayesmore School); LOOPS (Poole High School); Sigma (Parkstone Grammar School, Talbot Heath School); 10 Forward (Avonbourne School); I.S.E (Lytchett Minster School); Purple Panda (Porchester School, Bournemouth Collegiate School, Bishop of Winchester Comprehensive School); Unite-Teens (Talbot Heath School; Porchester School; Bournemouth Collegiate School; Bishop of Winchester Comprehensive School); Bricks (Parkstone Grammar School, Porchester School, Bournemouth Collegiate School, Bishop of Winchester Comprehensive School).