Region’s young entrepreneurs battle for top business award

THE region’s brightest young business brains are ready to battle it out for the Company of the Year title at the HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards 2010, as the competition final gets underway in Hull this week.

The finalists, made up of businesses established and run by teams of 15-19 year olds, have been selected from more than 100 entrants across Yorkshire, Humber and Gibraltar and will contest the coveted title aboard the P&O Pride of Rotterdam on King George Dock on Thursday.

This year’s teams include Wirewear from Sheffield High School, representing South Yorkshire, Rags to Riches from Batley Girls High School, representing West Yorkshire, Bee Dazzled, from Harrogate High School, representing North Yorkshire, Stem Enterprise, from Hymers College, representing Humber, and Gibsights, from Gibraltar College.

All finalists are required to present a company report to the judges detailing the activities of their business over the last year, produce a creative display stand, undergo a rigorous interview and give a five minute presentation about their company.

The victors will go on to represent Yorkshire and Humber at national level in the hope of qualifying to  compete in the Young Enterprise European Company of the Year competition in July.

Janet Brumby, Young Enterprise senior manager and holder of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, said: “The passion and enthusiasm shown by our young entrepreneurs is truly magnificent. This year’s participants have had a tough time, having to trade during a recession and dealing with VAT fluctuation as well as a change in government.

“I’m really impressed by how the companies have focused and have faced the challenges head-on, learning in the process about the demanding world of business. Lets hope that their first taste of real life commercial experience has given them the attitude, skills and knowledge for success, whatever their chosen career.”

Young Enterprise in Yorkshire and Humber will also be using the final to launch its new branding, including the strap line  ‘Start Something’.

Ms Brumby added: “We wanted a new look to ensure we continued appealing to young people to help them get a first class introduction to the world of business.

“But we also wanted to rebrand ourselves so we can continue attracting the support from our sponsors, who are integral to the whole competition. It is quite difficult creating a brand which bridges both groups but I think we have done it.”

The youngsters taking part in HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards are mentored by volunteers from the local business community.

Young Enterprise in Yorkshire and Humber is looking for volunteers for the 2010/2011 competition.

For further information visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk or e-mail janet.brumby@yeyh.org.uk.