Inspiring Island entrepreneurs were quizzed on their latest ventures by Island business professionals as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme Isle of Wight Grand Final, held in the Minghella Theatre at Quay Arts in Newport.
7 student teams from a mix of Island schools and colleges have been competing since last September to win the overall title of Best Company.
Over the course of the academic year, each student team has devised and launched a business, then seen it develop into a proper trading business. Each team is supported and guided by a business advisor. The teams have taken on challenges like Dragons Den to win real cash investor funding from a panel of Island business leaders. The teams have also taken on retail training opportunities, with special event days at retail venues such as Tesco’s at Westridge.
The Grand Final at Quay Arts was the last hurdle for the teams to get over. As well as delivering a trade stand, the teams also formally presented their business report to a packed theatre. Awards were made for teams that delivered best on presentation, sustainability, marketing, teamwork, alongside the best overall award.
Head judge, Jamie Busby from Hose Rhodes Dickson, comments:
“The standard of the competition has stepped up year on year, with lots of creative business ideas that have gone on to prove themselves to be commercially solid with opportunities for real growth.”
Wisteria from Ryde Academy picked up the top honour as best company, along with the marketing award. Seacycle from Christ The King College were recognised with the best presentation award. Clouds of Ventnor from St Catherine’s College won the team journey award. Truly Retro representing Isle of Wight College came up with the strongest approach to sustainability.
The top 4 teams in the Island final now go forward to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Final taking place shortly in Southampton. The best 4 Island teams came from Ryde Academy, Isle of Wight College, St Catherine’s College and Carisbrooke College.
