Team members from Parallax, selling retro clothing

The selling skills of Pocklington School Sixth Form students taking part in the Young Enterprise (YE) scheme were put to the test on the streets of Harrogate when they took their products to the public.

Ten A level students, who between them have set up three businesses, competed against students from other schools across North Yorkshire when they set up their stalls in Harrogate on a Saturday in the run-up to Christmas.

The Lower Sixth formers traded all day, persuading Christmas shoppers to buy products they have developed themselves as part of the YE Company Programme which empowers young people to set up and run a student company under the guidance of a business volunteer.

The School’s YE co-coordinator, Head of Business and Economics Gareth Shephard, said: “The students worked hard and achieved a great day’s trading. They showed real commitment, resilience and business sense in their approach to the day. Thank you to all in school and to OPs who have given their support.”

Student comments included: “It was really great to actually start selling and to see our idea making money!”

Those taking part were: Tom Kirby, Brad Riley, Oilver Nicholls and Ben Wilkinson, whose Hydro Protection company sells waterproof products; Sam Cooper and Tom George, whose T,H and S company sells wreaths; and Trinity Wright, Noah Callau, George Brignall-McGougall, and Max whose company Parallax sells retro clothing.

Team members from Hydro Protection, selling waterproof products                                                                Team members from T, H and S, selling wreaths

Two of the teams won awards: Hydro Protection won Best Trading Stand and T, H and S won Best Product. The students are now preparing for a Director Training event and second trade fair in February, ahead of the first round of the YE Regional competition in March. One company will eventually be crowned UK YE Company of the Year and go on to the European Company Programme Final.

Students taking part in the YE Company Programme make all the decisions about their business, from deciding on the company name, managing the company finances and selling to the public.

Participants gain the practical business experience, adaptability, entrepreneurial mindset and employability skills needed to secure successful futures. They learn from hands-on practical learning in real life contexts, understand money management and benefit from employer engagement. The programme is also designed to raise students’ aspirations and help to develop career intentions.