Young entrepreneurs attend trade fair in Derry City

The event organised by Young Enterprise gave the young people the opportunity to build their confidence, communication and business skills, by selling directly to the public.

Through their participation in the Company, Team and Quick Start programmes, supported by the Department of Education and Ulster Bank, the students have set up their own businesses, developed business plans and product ideas, and are now selling these at the Trade Fairs.

Coleraine High School took the runner up in the ‘Best Company category, whilst the Loreto College team won the ‘Best Marketing’ prize.Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive Officer of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland commented: ‘Our research demonstrates that young people in Northern Ireland crave “Apprentice”-style training.

“There is a wealth of young talent in Northern Ireland, but also a very real risk of a “brain drain” in the near future if we do not nurture our young entrepreneurs.

“In an increasingly-competitive employment market, it is imperative that young people are equipped with real-life, practical business skills that go beyond what they learn in school. It is our hope that programme such as Company, Team and QuickStart will inspire these young people to develop their full potential. “

The trade fair was supported by Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry City Council, Lynas Foods, Desmond Motors, Airporter, CCMS, Danske Bank and HSBC and this year’s winners were as follows:

The Mayor of Derry City Councillor Kevin Campbell and Mark Durkan MP visited the trade fair to witness first-hand the entrepreneurial talent of the young people in the area and to present prizes to the winners.