Five teams of Year 9 students from across Jersey have been recognised as part of this year’s Jersey Young Enterprise Company Programme awards.
Run by Young Enterprise Jersey, the programme gives students the opportunity to create and run their own businesses, developing products and services while gaining practical experience in areas including finance, branding, marketing and sales.
As part of the programme, students were required to develop a business idea, create a brand identity, secure finance, produce and market their products, and sell them to the public before presenting their company reports to an independent judging panel.
The five teams who qualified for the Jersey Young Enterprise final were:
- Team Soothe from Beaulieu, who created a wellness wheat pack product
- Team Tidal Trinkets from JCG, who produced jewellery and accessories using sea glass
- Team Coastal Colours from Beaulieu, who developed an educational Jersey colouring book
- Team Printed from VCJ, who designed and printed their own t-shirts
- The Alchemists from St Michael’s, who created decorations and craft items using found and repurposed materials.
Jennie Smith, Head of Business Support at Jersey Business, said: “The Year 9 Young Enterprise programme is a fantastic way for young people to build confidence, creativity and real-world business skills at an early age. Seeing students develop ideas, work as a team and take pride in what they achieve is incredibly rewarding. This year’s finalists were all impressive.”
Ross Edgar, Operational Manager from Skills Jersey, added: “I was bowled over by the genuine passion and enthusiasm from the young people who participated in this event. All of the companies were well thought out and delivered brilliantly at their selling events, and when presented on the day.”
The Innovation Award and Best Administered Company Award both went to The Alchemists from St Michael’s, while Ava from Team Soothe received the award for Best Managing Director.
The award for Best Overall Company went to Tidal Trinkets from JCG, who progressed to the South-East Regional Finals organised by UK Young Enterprise in London.
Adam Sykes, Employability Coordinator at Jersey College for Girls, said: “I’m very proud to announce that Tidal Trinkets came second in the South-East Regional Finals for Young Enterprise. Their business was recognised for being a great success and they were fantastic representatives for Jersey against a strong field including a number of sixth form teams.”
