A group of young entrepreneurs from Stone won the Stafford borough stage of this year’s Young Enterprise company competition.
First place went to The Sock Tree Company, one of the two teams from Alleyne’s High School taking part this year.
The Sock Tree Company, who earlier in March had been judged the best team at the Young Enterprise Trade Fair in Stone, fought off very close competition from second-place Forest Reads, based at Stafford Grammar School, and Tempo, based at St Dominic’s Girls School in Brewood, who were third.
The Sock Tree Company design and make stuffed monkeys and other animals out of socks. They are a quirky little gift and especially popular with children. Forest Reads published a children’s storybook which helps to explain ecological issues in very simple ways to young children, and Tempo has a unique wristwatch product.
The competition, which is sponsored by Alstom Grid UK, is just a part of the Young Enterprise experience. The young people set up their own company, trade for the academic year and then have to liquidate the company – a daunting experience for many 16-year-olds, but one which they manage extremely well with the help and support of volunteer business advisors and dedicated link teachers in each of the schools which take part.
The teams are judged by a panel of experienced business people, and the competition includes the Trade Fair, a Company Report and a public presentation by the students to over 200 people at the Finals evening.
As the Stafford & Stone winners, The Sock Tree Company will now represent the area at the Staffordshire finals, to be held at Staffordshire University on May 10th.
Last year’s local winners, Versaleaf, also from Alleyne’s, went on to win the county and regional competitions and last summer took part in the National Finals at the Savoy in London. Members of Versaleaf organised this year’s local final on behalf of the Stafford & Stone Area Board.
Speaking at the finals, David Hawbrook, chairman of the local Young Enterprise Board, said: “The Young Enterprise Company Programme is an excellent way of teaching young people about business, and also helps them to grow in self-confidence and discover other hidden talents. They learn how to work together in teams, an important skill in the current business climate.”
