Member Article

Local secondary school pupils compete in national competition

Four local schools battled it out yesterday in the regional finals of an initiative designed to help teach school pupils essential business skills, whilst increasing their aspirations and self-belief.

The Mosaic Enterprise Challenge was held at KPMG’s new offices at St Peter’s Square in Manchester and saw the four teams present to a judging panel with the key objective of reaching the Grand Final in London. Schools participating in the event included Ladybridge High School in Bolton, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury and Broadgreen International School in Liverpool.

The Mosaic Enterprise Challenge, supported by the Apax Foundation and Nectar Trust as well as support from Department of Communities and Local Government, is a fully-funded programme that helps young people between the ages of 11 and 16, improve their business acumen, confidence and self-belief.

874 North West secondary school pupils from 26 schools participated in the competition before the final four were shortlisted to compete in the regional final which was generously supported by GibbsS3. Over 80 mentors were allocated to the teams, guiding and developing their business concept whilst improving their understanding of business in general.

Team Bake Inc. from Ladybridge High School was declared the regional finalist at the event, following a convincing presentation of their business concept which was a baking business within their school community that would help internal catering students gain invaluable practical skills, whilst tending to the needs of their school community. They are now invited to attend the Grand Final hosted in London on April 23rd.

Speaking about their win, team member Khadija Toppa speaking on behalf of Ladybridge High School commented; “The whole day was pretty nerve wracking and we really can’t believe we’re through to the regional finals, it’s so exciting! We’ve worked pretty hard with our mentor and think we’ve come up with a great idea so I think we’ve got a good chance!”

Mosaic mentor at Ladybridge High School, Maqsood Khan, Crown Prosecution Service, said: “I am overwhelmed by the journey that these young people have been on. From the first mentoring session where we met shy students, lacking in confidence to the impressive, self-assured business pitches they have made today makes me believe in the impact of mentoring and the difference we can make”.

Jonathan Holt, Senior Partner at KPMG’s Manchester Office and Chairman of Judges on the day, said: “We’re proud to continue our association with Mosaic which is a fantastic organisation, encouraging young people to achieve their potential. Today’s competition makes me confident about tomorrow’s business leaders”.

The yearly competition is open to all secondary school children throughout Britain who compete for the top prize of £2500 for their school. During the competition pupils work closely with an allocated mentor to come up with a winning business concept which is then pitched to a regional judging panel in advance of the Grand Final. The winning team get an additional £500 to start-up and run their initiative, all with the help of their mentor.

Harry Potter actress Afshan Azad, who was a keynote speaker at the event said; “It was a tremendous afternoon. Giving children an opportunity like this can be mind blowing for them, it’s not the same as being in a classroom. We need to develop our youngsters’ business initiative from an early age; allowing the pupils to spend time with a business mentor who has real experience is clearly motivating for them. They’re able to challenge not only themselves but also misplaced ideals they may have about business, learning valuable skills which would otherwise be out of reach.”

Mosaic is an initiative of Business in the Community and was founded by HRH Prince Charles in 2007. Mosaic’s programmes are supported by MPs for business and education, as well as schools and Ofsted, who all see the benefit of opening doors for young people in to the corporate world. Creating opportunities for young people of all backgrounds growing up in some of the most deprived communities.

If you would like to help inspire and guide these young adults to help them reach their potential and would like further information about mentoring or any of the Mosaic programmes, please call 020 7566 8734 or email: mosaic@bitc.org.uk

Mosaic provides fully-funded mentoring programmes in primary schools, secondary schools and prisons across the UK. The charity recruits and trains mentors who volunteer their time and skills to help inspire young people from deprived communities and help them realise their talents and potential.

In a 2013/14 Mosaic report students who took part in the Enterprise Challenge said;

• 80% learnt something new about working in business from their Mosaic mentor

• 80% felt confident about working in business

• 74% felt that given the opportunity they would feel confident running a successful business

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Terry Gilligan .