Two Guernsey Sixth Form Centre students are preparing to launch a new sports drink brand after spending the past year developing the business alongside their A-Level studies.
Seventeen-year-olds Henry and Callum, who are currently studying Business Studies alongside subjects including PE, Maths and Sociology, have created ChargePlus, a sports energy and protein drink aimed at athletes, gym goers and sportspeople.
The students say the idea was shaped by their own experiences competing in tennis, padel and squash at county level, as well as an interest in business and product development.
Over the past year, the pair and their families have invested their own savings into the venture, visited a UK manufacturing facility, worked with industry professionals and completed compliance checks while developing the brand, packaging concepts and production plans.
They have also carried out market research and taste-testing exercises and say the product is now ready for launch.
“We wanted to create something cleaner, healthier and genuinely useful for young athletes,” said Henry. “Growing up playing sport in Guernsey, we felt there was a gap in the market for a drink that combined the ingredients athletes actually want before training or competition, without needing multiple products or supplements.”
The students are now seeking to raise £12,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to fund an initial production run and other launch costs ahead of a planned summer launch.
The project has been developed while the pair balance preparation for their upcoming A-Level examinations, with production targeted for this summer.
They also hope the product will challenge perceptions surrounding traditional energy or pre-workout drinks.
“Like many parents, ours were cautious about energy drinks because of concerns around health and ingredients,” said Callum. “We wanted to develop an alternative, with a unique blend of ingredients that health-conscious consumers would feel comfortable choosing.”
In addition to launching a local business, the students say community impact is central to the company’s values. The founders have pledged to donate the first £1,000 of profit to Guernsey Sports Commission to support programmes encouraging young people to stay active and healthy.
“This business was created in Guernsey,” the founders added. “We hope the community will help us take this final step and support the next generation of local entrepreneurship.”
Pictured: Left to right – Henry Chamberlain and Callum Richards
