Handsworth Wood pupils take prize in business challenge

Jul 31 2009 by Kat Keogh, Birmingham Mail

BUDDING entrepreneurs got the better of a Dragon’s Den-style judging panel in a school enterprise contest.

Five pupils from Hamstead Hall Community Learning Centre in Handsworth Wood walked away with the main prize at the Eureka Rocket Challenge.

The scheme challenged pupils aged 16 to 18 to learn about the world of business by researching, planning and organising an event.

Sixth form pupils Sukhraj Chohan, Luke Anthrobus, Tashan Elliott-Smith, Shakiel Reid and Ebnul Ahmed faced a judging panel made up of industry experts to present their winning idea to help boost skills in young people.

Their project, named Ice Cream, centred around providing a range of half-term workshops where local experts such as DJs, musicians and dancers would pass on their knowledge to pupils.

Pupils would then use their new-found skills to stage a fundraising concert at the end of the half-term week in aid of their school.

The event was organized by the Women’s Business Development Agency (WBDA), Ernst and Young and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

WBDA director Sally Arkley said: “Ice Cream had an exciting concept based on a sound business model, they all presented the proposition well and answered with confidence questions posed by the judges.

“The fact they were also looking to raise the skills agenda was also a big plus point.”

The group picked up a cheque for £250, which will be used by the school to promote enterprise activities at their school.