Academy students face their own Dragon’s Den

During the Programme, supported by Ulster Bank, the students have established and managed three companies over 10 weeks, culminating in a competition to decide the winners, judged by Derek Wilson, Ulster Bank, Michael Young, Tele Pizza, Neil Cunningham, MD of Banbridge Academy’s Young Enterprise Company ‘$ave On’, and Banbridge Academy teachers Jennifer Cosgrove, Diane Morrow and Lynne Elliott, Banbridge Academy.

Over the course of the 10 weeks, the students were mentored by Mark Tumilty from Ulster Bank.

The products sold by the students during the course of the Programme included a cookery kit, a game ‘app’ and lavender candles.

After the judges’ deliberations, ‘Edonomel’ were announced as the winners. The company sold an ‘app’ in the format of a game to encourage financial literacy.

Cathy Morrison, Senior Development Manager at Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, commented: “It is fantastic to see the culmination of the students’ hard work and planning here today at Banbridge Academy. The range of products is excellent, and the standard of presentations is very professional. None of this would be possible without the work of our corporate partners, and we are particularly grateful to Ulster Bank for all their financial and volunteering support of the QuickStart Programme.”

Young Enterprise is Northern Ireland’s foremost business and enterprise education charity and all its programmes are based on the principle of ‘learning by doing’, to promote a culture of enterprise from an early age. All activities are delivered by fully-trained business volunteers from partnership organisations and funded by a variety of public and private sector organisations.

To find out more about corporate support or volunteering opportunities, please contact Young Enterprise Northern Ireland on 02890 327003.