County’s budding entrepreneurs showcase their skills.

THE cream of Herefordshire’s budding entrepreneurs have been on show at The Courtyard.

More than 100 people watched the final of the county Young Enterprise Awards, which brought students from five schools and colleges head-to-head in a battle for various business awards.

Next Generation, a company formed by 16 First Diploma in Business students at Herefordshire College of Technology, scooped the BT Annual Trophy for best overall company for its handmade jewellery products. Over the past eight months, the company has made £420.

Generation 90, made up of pupils from Lady Hawkins School, was runner-up with its trade directory for Kington, while Azubi – consisting of Hereford Sixth Form students – won third prize for its design of hand-made clocks from old LP records, and digital calendars.

Since September, the companies have raised capital to produce products before selling them to buyers. Each was allocated a link teacher from their school or college, as well as business advisors.

Then, in front of a panel of judges at The Courtyard, company members gave an eight-minute presentation of their product, which was followed by a question-and-answer session.

Next Generation’s link teacher was Julie Pond, while Rebecca Morris at allpay.net was the the company’s business advisor.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” said Ms Morris. “I’m so proud of the students. Their business talents have really shone through, from web design to sales technique, accounting and marketing. These skills and the whole experience will stay with them forever.” Penny Bye, Young Enterprise publicity officer, said the competition was a good grounding for budding entrepreneurs.

“Many of those taking part have said they learnt so much. It’s a very good team-building exercise and the students have seen what it is like in the world of business with all the politics and bureaucracy.” The line-up was completed with the Heads Up company from John Kyrle High School, which produced an interactive CD-rom for primary schools; a display of hedgehog pencil holders made by Seasonal Spirits at the Royal National College for the Blind, and specially made boot racks and coat hooks by Crafty Capers at St David’s Pupil Referral Unit in Coningsby Street, Hereford.

Winners in other categories included Generation 90, which scooped the best marketing company award, Next Generation, which won the best company report, while Azubi lifted the best managing director award.

Elsewhere, Seasonal Spirits was awarded the prize forbest team spirit, and Heads Up was chosen as most innovative product winners.

Special praise was given by judges to Crafty Capers, which won the best team programme.

Other schools that took part this year were Aylestone High School, Barrs Court School, John Masefield High School, and Minster College.