A sixth form student from Wilmslow has launched an entrepreneurial venture in time for Christmas with his fellow students at The Manchester Grammar School (MGS).
Sixteen year-old Akeel Malik is managing director of CaseM, a company he has established with four of his friends. Using MGS facilities and under the guidance of the Young Enterprise scheme, they have developed a series of bespoke greetings cards and wrapping paper.
They began selling their designs at Chorlton market and the Christmas markets in Manchester. The demand was so great that the team has now secured an exclusive contract with the Manchester branch of national stationers Ryman.
Akeel, who lives on Adlington Road and currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Economics and English at MGS, said: "We are absolutely delighted with our achievements and the positive response of all of our customers. To have turned the demand into an order from Ryman's is something we're very proud of and we would like to thank our School and Young Enterprise for their support."
The team is now focusing on expansion plans for 2012 with a rollout of bespoke laptop cases for businesses, details of which they'll unveil in the New Year.
High Master, Dr Christopher Ray, at MGS said: "I found these young men really impressive when I listened to their business plans earlier this term. Many Old Mancunians have made a terrific impact in the business world and we appear to have here a new generation of entrepreneurs snapping at their heels."
Photo: Tom Craig and Akeel Malik.
