A competition to inspire youngsters to think about business has revealed the winners of its latest programme.
Bright Stars, run by the Centre for Leadership Performance, is aimed at pupils of primary schools. Each school is given £50 to set up their own mini social enterprise to make a profit and a difference to their community in 12 weeks.
With guidance from mentors from local businesses and sponsorship support, Cumbria’s youngest entrepreneurs have left judges spellbound with their remarkable mini social enterprise initiatives, from winter warmer packs to planting trees and festive products, organisers said.
Maryport’s Ewanrigg Junior School, mentored by North Lakes Hotel & Spa and sponsored by Allerdale GDF. Their Most Profitable Social Enterprise generated an £2,066.76 profit, dedicated to creating Winter Warmer packs for the elderly and vulnerable.
Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School, at Great Clifton, near Workington, in partnership with Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, showed the Best Demonstration of Being a Great Communicator.
Their effective communication skills were showcased in organising a Christmas Cosy Day with activities and stalls.
Broughton Moor Primary School, collaborating with No Name Travel and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, impressed with the Best Marketing Idea. Their introduction of Tradimals, unique wildlife-themed trading cards, was complemented by a catchy theme tune and a thoughtful marketing strategy.
Seaton’s St Paul’s Junior School (Class 5O), working with University of Cumbria business student Faye Holiday and volunteer Angela Schinzel, and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, won the Best Example of Leadership. The pupils added a customer service team during the sale of their hot chocolate cones at Dunmail Park.
Valley Primary School and Nursery, in Whitehaven, sponsored by Barclays Eagle Labs and Nuclear Waste Services, achieved the Best Example of Technology Use.
Team Top Notch used technology by creating engaging videos, using a 3D printer for Christmas decorations, and showcasing environmentally friendly products on social media.
Moor Row Community Primary School, collaborated with and sponsored by Bechtel Cavendish Nuclear Solutions, secured the Most Positive Long-Term Impact with their Leafy Habitats project, enhancing biodiversity by obtaining and selling trees and bird feeders.
Broughton Primary School, partnering with The Vicky Business Centre and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, presented the Best Social Enterprise Business Idea with Elfridges, where children could choose, wrap, and label presents, reinvesting 50% of profits back into the community.
Oughterside Foundation School, working with the Centre for Leadership Performance and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, earned recognition for the Best Logo. The Oughterside Stars planned a pensioners’ coffee morning and Christmas fair, showcasing a colourful and descriptive logo that incorporated their business concept and school identity.
Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School, Carlisle, in collaboration with Bell Group and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, demonstrated the Best Example of Staying Positive/Resilient. Despite losing their business mentor due to unfortunate circumstances, the school powered on to organise a successful Christmas event, showcasing resilience, determination, and most importantly, fun.
St Cuthbert’s School, Wigton, partnering with Twoey and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, received the accolade for the Best Example of Community Engagement. St. Cuthbert’s Nursery actively engaged with the community, creating and selling Fizzing Bath Crumble at local events.
Kirkbride Primary School, collaborating with Diff-Ability CIC and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, exemplified the Best Example of Teamwork and Collaboration. Team Kirkbride organised a Festive Fair, creating and selling handmade crafts, showcasing effective teamwork and ensuring everyone played a vital part in their success.
Thursby Primary School, collaborating with Marsh Commercial and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, were recognised for the Best Business Plan, as they impressed with Sprinkle of Joy, creating salt-dough and wool decorations, Santa stones, and organising events like a coffee morning and carol singing.
Judges said they were extremely impressed by the Bright Stars, and the standards were incredibly high. All schools and businesses will come together to celebrate their achievements at an online celebration event on January 25.
