Entrepreneurs at Tower Centre

The Trade Fair from 9.30am to 1.30pm, will see companies started by young people from across the area showcase their products and offer shoppers something different to traditional retailers. Espero from Belfast High School will be at the Fair, selling their educational books aimed at helping children’s learn French and Spanish. Cambridge House Grammar School are also attending the Trade Fair, with one of their companies, Antrim Rain, retailing handmade natural soap. On the day, the students will not only have to impress customers, but also a panel of judges, with a variety of awards up for grabs, including a Social Media award. Kerry McClintock, from the Castle & Towers Board, said: “As Chair of the Castle & Towers Board and advisor to the company programme, I am both proud and privileged to be part of the trade fair for the past 13 years. It is a fantastic element of the Company programme and provides students with the confidence and inspiration to run their own business.

“In addition to this, it provides them with a range of transferable skills for their futures, whether it be employment or self-employment and the opportunity to see how the world of business actually works. Having the opportunity to sell their products to members of the general public is both invaluable and beneficial to their future development.”

Paul Corrigan, Independent Investigator and Arbitrator from Corrigan Consulting, said “I first became involved with Young Enterprise over 30 years ago as a student and so I am delighted to pass on my experience to the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Trade Fair is a great opportunity for the students to showcase their products, see what the other schools have been up to and hopefully, to make some money.” Young Enterprise Chief Executive Carol Fitzsimons said: “We would like to invite friends and relatives of these exciting young entrepreneurs to come along and support their local Young Enterprise companies.”