Pupils learn tricks of the retail trade

The pupils, who set up a company called Anazao, travelled to the Abbey Centre to take part in the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland trade fair. There was a wide range of products on sale, including Valentine’s day cards and gifts.

With advice from local business volunteers, the pupils had been tasked with setting up and running a business to manufacture and sell products and learn about running a business first-hand.

The trade fair was the part of the Company of the Year competition, and judges from the local business community were on hand to evaluate each company. This evaluation, along with interviews the students will undergo to pitch their company, will help determine regional winners in 2010.

“Young Enterprise plants the seed for future enterprise, leading to job creation and sustainable business,” said Laura Kerr, senior development manager at Young Enterprise Northern Ireland.

“We were delighted that so many schools participated in this event. It gives them the opportunity to experience the world of business first-hand, and we hope that it will ignite the entrepreneurial spark in many local students.”

Young Enterprise is Northern Ireland’s foremost business and enterprise education charity. All its 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, contact Young Enterprise Northern Ireland on 02890 327003.