Sixth formers’ entrepreneurial skills recognised with national award

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A group of sixth formers in Caerphilly town have recognised for their entrepreneurial skills.

The Year 12 pupils at St Martin’s School have won the ‘Best Overall Company’ award at the Young Enterprise Welsh Finals.

They finished ahead of competition from across Wales to win the award, after taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

As part of the programme, the pupils had to set up their own company and make decisions about their business, from deciding the company name and product, to creating a business plan, managing their finances and then selling their products.

The task was made even more difficult for the pupils this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The winning group, which was called ‘New Leaf Sustainability’, created and sold sustainable bamboo plant pots that can be reused as drinking cups.

As a result of their award win, the pupils will now take part in the Young Enterprise UK Company of the Year awards.

Pupil Joshua Webb, who is the sales director for the company, said taking part in the programme was “exceptionally enjoyable”.

He said he learned many “unique skills which can be used in day-to-day life” through the programme.

Joshua added: “I am looking forward to the UK final and believe that New Leaf Sustainable’s recent success was warranted due to the team’s dedication and hard work.

“The experience so far has been thought-provoking. Young Enterprise has replicated business-like scenarios which will undoubtedly help those with such career ambitions in the future.”

The school said: “Their resilience and determination has been inspiring to all.

“Boys, you have been a credit to yourselves, the school, and we are all extremely proud of you. Good Luck for the UK finals.”