Young Enterprise success for Fruity Friends

A group of students from Wilmslow High School have picked up an award for the Best Financial Management in the Young Enterprise competition.

The Year 12 pupils also picked up 4th place in the national finals where they competed against twelve other teams in London, having won both the Cheshire and North West finals.

The group of seventeen students established 'Fruity Friends' - a company which produces t-shirts with four different characters to promote healthy eating in a fun way to children.

The final was held from Sunday 1st July to Tuesday 3rd July and featured teams from across the UK, including representatives from Northern Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland.

The final started with a visit to the Cutty Sark, where all the teams were given a briefing on what the next few days would involve.

Fruity Friends PR Manager, Jemma Davis said "We had to set up our trade stand as at the previous round, obviously to a much higher standard.

"We also had to have a series of interviews from the judging panel, and do a four minute presentation to an audience of about 500. This was extremely nerve wracking, but has proven to the five of us that spoke that anything is achievable."

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, presented the awards at a packed ceremony in the Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane.

As he recognised the outstanding entrepreneurial efforts of the 13 teams who battled their way to the final, Dr Cable said "This is a fantastic occasion and I would like to congratulate all of the finalists in this year's Young Enterprise Innovation Awards. Early exposure to enterprise helps to give young people the hands-on experience of what it means to run a business. If this country is really going to grow and succeed it will be on the back of what you are doing in this competition."

"By investing time and effort into our young people now, we will be able to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs who can help take the UK forward into a bright economic future."

Jemma Davis added "The Young Enterprise National Finals 2012 were by far the most professional but exciting three days of my life. They inspired me, encouraged me and made me realise how far we, as a team, have come. It was an absolute honour to Wilmslow High Schools first team reaching the finals, and I would be privileged to have the honour of mentoring and working with Wilmslow High's 2013 team.

"The future is bright for all of our team members but also for our school. Hopefully we will achieve many more years of success in enterprise."

Teacher Julia McHarg said "We are very proud of the students. Winning CIMA's prize for Best Financial Management in the UK is a great achievement and demonstrates that the Young Enterprise programme is an excellent introduction to the nuts and bolts of running a business as well as a great outlet for creativity and initiative. Thank you to all the local businesses who have supported the students putting the fun back into fruit!"

The Fruity Friends t-shirts can be purchased directly from the team or through the Fruity Friends website.

 

Tags:
Fruity Friends, Wilmslow High School
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