Young business high-flyers compete for area title

Groups of ten students from South Craven School, Cross Hills, and Keighley College came up with an idea for a product or service and developed a business plan, supported by volunteer advisors from business.

They raised capital by selling shares to friends and family in order to buy stock or materials and get their company off the ground in September.

On Wednesday they will present annual reports of their companies at the Young Enterprise Craven Area Finals, at Skipton Building Society's head office.

South Craven School is running two companies -- T-shirt company Sideways Dog and Pikka ..! which produces fashion stationery.

The students will be demonstrating their products at trade stands and give a short talk to a panel of distinguished business people for assessment and prizes.

Keighley Rotary Club is also sponsoring a prize for the best presentation.

Six schools and colleges from the district are taking part in this year's finals.

Each year more than 150,000 students nationwide participate in Young Enterprise.

Competing companies have the chance of going to the European finals in Malta later in the year.

Last year's national winner was Beartas, from Sir Edward Scott School, on the Isle of Harris.

The company directors of Beartas designed a new tartan, woven in Harris Tweed and called the "Isle of Harris Tartan".

They used this to produce bags, hats, ties, scarves, place mats and coasters.

South Craven advisor Charles Davis said: "It's a chance to impress an audience of their peers and the local business community for the young directors of these companies. They are competing for a place in regional, national and European finals so they need our support.

"They elect a board of directors from among their peers, raise share capital and market and finance a product or service of their own choice.

"Students gain experience of the real world -- taking responsibility and being accountable to their shareholders for the running of the business."