Young Enterprise Presentation Evening Celebrates Success

Students from St. Augustine’s Catholic High School were delighted to take part in a Young Enterprise Presentation Evening, showcasing the students’ business products developed as part of the scheme, with YE company Just In Case, mentored by Oakland International, securing the Teamwork Award. St Augustine's Head of Business, Economics and Accounting, Yvonne Cashmore, commented: “Each team was required to present their company journey from initial ideas, skills learnt, problems overcome to final business success achieved. St Augustine’s Young Enterprise Company, Just In Case, had superb support throughout their experience from Lian Higgitt and Lynsey McIntosh from Oakland International. “Just in Case were delighted to win the award for Teamwork, which would not have been achieved without the enthusiasm, dedication, commitment and time given by their advisers. Their encouragement and advice to overcome problems and develop new ways of thinking has been vital to the success of Just in Case, and has led to each member of the company developing essential business and life skills.” With weekly support and email contact from their volunteer mentors of Oakland International Business Support Manager, Lian Higgitt and Customer Support Director Lynsey McIntosh, the fourteen students involved learnt to manage their company ‘Just In Case’ producing customized mobile phone and IPOD covers and accessories, and developed key marketing skills which helped drive sales. Lian and Lynsey’s work with the students forms part of their personal Management Development Programme activities, designed to put their core skills in to practice. Said Lian: “We are delighted for Just In Case. They worked extremely hard and deserve the acknowledgement this award brings. “Local business involvement in Young Enterprise is key if we are to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs and business leaders. Working with the students we have been able to share our knowledge and experience, as well as offer advice and guidance, with the long term aim of leaving them with skills they can take forward for the future.” The UK`s leading Enterprise in Education charity, they work with 3,500 businesses and over 5,000 schools, colleges and universities. Information on how you can get involved is available at www.young-enterprise.org.uk with programmes from introducing primary schools to the world of work, to inspiring teenagers to think about their financial futures and how to set up a business.