University hosts aspiring entrepreneurs' Young Enterprise regional final

Aspiring entrepreneurs from schools and colleges across the region took part in the Young Enterprise Coventry & Warwickshire county finals at Coventry University in May.

The event was the result of the hard work that students have put into running their own companies during this academic year through the Young Enterprise Company Programme. They have been supported by link teachers and local volunteer business advisers. They have encountered real problems, real challenges, real solutions and real success.

David Thomas, lecturer on the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship degree at Coventry University and guest speaker at the county finals, said:

It is most encouraging to see so many innovative and creative new ideas from such a wide range of budding young entrepreneurs from all across the region. The standard of entrants gets better with every year and this year I have no doubt has been one of the best.

The companies taking part on the night were: Versatile, Southam College; Wood You, Harris C of E School and Rugby High School; Pangea – King's High School & Warwick School; Prospero and Infinitas – Stratford Girls' Grammar School; Unanimous – Blue Coat C of E School, Coventry

Judging the Young Enterprise companies at the event were: Marla Nelson – Director for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Warwickshire College, Keith Jeffrey - Managing Director, Coventry University Social Enterprise (CUSE) CIC and Ivan Vickers – Managing Director, Triphase Business Solutions based in Coventry.

The judges assessed each company on their trade stand, company report and business presentation on the night. The judges were very impressed with the quality and business acumen of all the companies – and voted Prospero the overall winner.

Prospero will now represent Coventry & Warwickshire at the West Midlands regional finals which are due to be held on June 10th in the Hub at Coventry University.