Young people from schools and colleges have been taking part in the Young Enterprise south west final in Poole.
The event, hosted by Poole Harbour Commissioners, saw student teams compete for awards recognising their achievements across a range of areas including:
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Technology
- Teamwork
- Contribution to their local community.
Bournemouth School for Girls received an award for sustainability for their innovative recycling of sailing and climbing rope to create dog leads.
Lee Hardy, Chairman of Poole Harbour Commissioners and one of the judges, said: “PHC recognise the need to encourage young talent and we are delighted to support this event.
“I was hugely impressed by the enthusiasm, commitment and initiative from all the teams which made the task of the judges very difficult.”
Overall Company of the Year was awarded to Pearl from Balcarres School in Gloucestershire who created a Bamboo toothbrush with a removeable head.
They will be joined at the UK final in Manchester by Ocean Bloom from Ilfracombe School in North Devon as the Inspiring Futures entry.
Sarah Porretta, Young Enterprise CEO, attended the event and met the teams and guests.
She said: “As CEO, and a local resident, I am excited to personally congratulate all our south west finalists.
“They have demonstrated great resilience, creativity and innovation throughout their business journey so far and it is hugely important to see such great talent in our region.”
Ian Girling, Chief Executive, Dorset Chamber, presented the Best Presentation award to The Growing Green Company.
He said: “Our young people need encouragement and support from businesses to help equip them with the skills for the future.
“This project perfectly complements the work we are doing with our Work Explore programme as well as our Future Leaders programme.”
Each student company requires the support from a dedicated local business mentor who offers advice and guidance throughout their enterprise journey.
Rachel Barnes from the 288 Group has been a business mentor to a Dorset company and attended the event as a guest while Max Allen, 288 Managing Director, presented the award for Best Marketing.
- More business mentors are needed to make the vital link between education and enterprise skills in the workplace. For more information about Young Enterprise’s work in Dorset and further afield in the south west, contact Hannah Cook at Hannah.cook@y-e.org.uk.