Business Challenge students’ enterprise scheme begins!

Date published: 02 December 2011

Bury College Business Challenge students have launched their business, The A Team, as part of this year’s Young Enterprise scheme and already requests and orders are flowing in! Students are busy creating a range of products to sell over the festive period and have been asked by the Village Hotel to produce Christmas decorations for their reception area.

The product range will include a number of homemade items including decorations, gift boxes, candles and Christmas cards. The students have also secured a lucrative spot at the Manchester Christmas Markets where they will be selling their products on the 6th December.

Dale Jackson, Managing Director of the A Team, said: “It’s really fun. It has been challenging being a manager but we’ve all worked together as a team. I’ve also enjoyed making and selling the angel Christmas tree decorations. We’re getting lots of orders and it’s going really well.”

Textile Consultant Peter Claire has been appointed advisor through the Young Enterprise scheme and has been helping students with their business plan. Peter said “The A Team has got off to a flying start and the students have had many ideas. They’re a really enthusiastic group of young people.”

Students will run their business throughout the year and will enter the Young Enterprise finals in 2012 to present their achievements and provide feedback on their progress throughout the year.

Bury College Tutor, Elaine Hopwood, said: “The Young Enterprise initiative helps students gain confidence and motivation and teaches them about all the issues that arise when setting up a business.”

Young Enterprise UK is made up of twelve regional organisations that operate through support from the business community and the government. Students from schools and colleges in the UK take part by setting up their own businesses, which they run independently for a year offering services or products.

In 2011 Bury College was awarded a certificate for being a Centre of Excellence. This was awarded to the College for their good practice and long service in the Young Enterprise competition.