A group of pupils from Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School have won a regional business award.
The Year 10 pupils received recognition at the Young Enterprise Awards, where they beat 13 other schools in the area to win in the ‘Environmental Awareness’ category.
Their business, called ‘E-corporation’, centred on buying and selling eco-friendly stationery using recycled materials.
The group had the opportunity to sell their products to teachers and pupils at the school and to the general public at Pontypool Market and Ty Penallta Business Park in Ystrad Mynach. The young entrepreneurs recorded a 233% profit margin from their sales.
The young Alan Sugars were helped on their way by business mentor Sophia Ali, a business development manager at Newport-based health cash plan provider Gwent Hospitals Contributory Fund.
Kerry Harris, age 15 from Blackwood, said: “The idea for our business originated from a request from one of the group member’s Nan for high-quality, recyclable canvas shopping bags.
“We purchased the recyclable canvas bags and added our own, unique design – the business grew from there.
“As a participant in the Young Enterprise programme, I have learnt a lot about business models and techniques.
“It was great to work with Sophia who is used to delivering sales pitches to various businesses. When I finish school, I hope to study business at university, and become an entrepreneur myself.”
Ms Ali said: “I’m very proud of the group for their achievements. From having no background in business skills, they were able to work together and develop a viable business plan and gain invaluable entrepreneurial experience.
“Working with the students, I was able to guide them in launching their business project. I shared the skills I had learnt over the years, such as how to sell and pitch for new businesses as well as how to divide tasks and work as a team.
“I would strongly encourage other businesses to volunteer their time and support local young people who are keen to boost their future career prospects. In these times of high youth unemployment, giving time is a small investment from businesses when it comes to building the workforce of the future.”