Future business leaders make their mark

Budding local entrepreneurs were rewarded for their money-making ventures on Wednesday (30 April) evening at the annual Young Enterprise awards at Beau Sejour.

The evening showcased the achievements of students from all the local sixth form schools, as well as a team from Oakvale.

Awards will be presented in a range of categories, from best management or use of IT, to top marketing.

The main individual award was the Sure Young Achiever of the Year, which will be presented by Stan Fitzgerald, Facilities Director for Sure.

Mr Fitzgerald said: "The talent and motivation that these young people have shown has been excellent, and I would personally congratulate everyone who took part. They have demonstrated a real entrepreneurial spirit and some excellent business skills, and the Young Enterprise scheme has provided them with a real insight into what it is like to operate in the commercial world. It fills me with confidence about the future of the island."

Nearly 100 youngsters took part in this year’s scheme. Over the past nine months the five Young Enterprise teams have come up with a range of products and services.

Rave, Strike, Innovision, Exclaim, and The Best Sellers have produced a range of products from t-shirts to jars of nothing, as well as hosting fashion shows and stage events.

On the evening each company had a display in the lower foyer of Beau Sejour, with an award for the best stand, and gave a presentation on their business activities over the year.

David Packman, chairman of Young Enterprise Guernsey said that he is once again very pleased with the quality of the companies.

"We have enjoyed another excellent Young Enterprise season, and there have once again been some very good companies who have produced, marketed and sold some interesting products," he said.

"Watching the achievers develop their business skills as well as their presentation skills, and overall confidence is a truly rewarding experience."

Mr Packman also said that he was very grateful to the volunteer advisers who helped this year, and that they are already looking for next years volunteers.

"I am very pleased with the effort and time donated by the advisers, but would also like to ask anyone able to assist with premises or as an adult advisor next year to get in touch," he said.

Anyone able to volunteer to help with premises or as an adult advisor can contact Kate Lenfestey at areaboard@cwgsy.net

Operating in Guernsey since 1982, Young Enterprise is a national education charity founded in the UK in 1963. The charity operates on a ‘learning by doing’ principle forging links between education and commerce with its stated mission, “To inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise.”

In simple terms, YE helps young people to set up and run their own companies – even experiencing liquidation - as they formally shut down their businesses after nine months.

The Presentations & Awards evening is the culmination of the 2007/8 programme which began last September. Students from all the Islands Secondary Schools are invited to take part in the ‘Company’ Programme, and students from Oakvale School are invited to participate in the ‘Team’ Programme.