Stevenage played host to over 130 budding entrepreneurs on Friday 7 May at the first ever Young Chamber Enterprise Challenge in the County. 11 schools from across Hertfordshire took part in the event, run by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and co-sponsored by the Hertfordshire Enterprise Learning Partnership.
Against this backdrop, students between 11 and 17 years of age undertook the 'Liquids Mean Life’ challenge and were tasked to invent a new soft drink. In three groups – Lemon, Banana and Yogurt Smoothie or Apple and Pear – they devised a marketing and pricing strategy, designed labels for their bottles and negotiated with local business people for their fruit supplies. Each team had to pitch their concept and idea to a panel of judges, made up of local business people. The best presentations from each group went through to the grand final.
Claire Young, who shot to fame in Series 4 of the BBC1 smash hit "the Apprentice", gave students an insight into the world of work, how she successfully runs 3 of her own businesses and what working for the now Lord Sugar was like, as well as helping the students with their challenge.
The overall winners were the Priory School (Hitchin) though they faced stiff competition in the final from Yavneh College (Borehamwood) and St Albans Girls School (St Albans). The Priory School students came up with a great product and also created their own radio advert. When they were asked about their experiences, they commented:
"It was a good activity as I was able to see how all the different aspects of business planning come together."
"It was very enjoyable as although we had to follow a plan we were allowed to be creative around it."
"A great experience that helped build confidence and improve my teamwork and leadership skills."
Tim Hutchings, Chief Executive at the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry said "this was a tremendous event which helped bring enterprise learning to life for these young people. We are committed to supporting young people in Hertfordshire both through our Young Chamber Schools and activities of this type. I look forward to welcoming schools from across the County back to a similar challenge next year".
Lauretta Lamont from Britvic commented: "I was delighted to be invited to take part in the Enterprise Challenge. It was a very successful day and the students seemed really engaged with the subject. This is just the sort of activity Britvic is happy to support."
Many thanks go to Claire Young, Britvic, Bull Information Systems, Coca Cola, Costa Coffee, Hilton Hotel Watford, Ocado, Smiths Coffee and The Wine Society for the time and energy they gave to support the young people and to Hertfordshire Enterprise Learning Partnership.