Young Enterprise Awards

Written by | Gifted and Talented

190293.jpgWallace High School’s Young Enterprise Company “Ignite” is currently looking forward to the South Eastern Final following considerable success at recent trade fairs held across the province. At the Bloomfield Shopping Centre Trade Fair Wallace pupils were delighted to receive the ” Best Product” Award whilst in Ballymena they gained the accolade “Best Use of Information Technology”.“Ignite” is made up of 13 Lower Sixth pupils who have been assisted by Wallace’s Head of Business Studies, Ms Karen Neill. Two external advisors, Karen Elliott and Laura Freeburn, have also helped the budding entrepreneurs set up their own company. The 13 pupils have set up a company along traditional lines, with appointments made including Managing Director, Personnel Director and Health and Safety Officer.

The company was set up last autumn and its shareholders can look forward to a healthy profit following the outstanding sales of its innovative products. Its central product “Ignition” is an exciting game for 1- 4 players aged six and above, which invites participants to dodge aliens in a race for the safety of a spaceship.

Not content with resting on their laurels, Wallace’s answer to Richard Branson went on to diversify their product range, taking account of seasonal market and opening up a whole new customer base.

Valentine’s Day saw their production of stunning handcrafted cards and the Lower Sixth pupils also operated an in- school delivery service. Perhaps the most innovative idea was however ” Cupid’s Crazy Captions” – a pocket size book of romantic poems with which to impress your loved ones.

Managing Director Andrew Carson said, ” These books proved immensely popular both at the Bloomfield Trade Fair and within school, with demand outstripping supply.”

Wallace’s Company “Ignite” has learnt a great deal about the world of commerce over the past six months – the skills and knowledge gained will undoubtedly help these young people in their future careers.

IT Director Connor Coleman commented, ” We have made considerable improvements to our stand , developing our use of power point and flash movies for recent trade fairs. The purpose of Young Enterprise is to learn from hands -on experience -we have certainly learnt a great deal and we are now busy preparing for our South Eastern Final interviews at Belfast City Airport on 21 March.”

Personnel Director Amanda Ferguson also has gained a lot from taking part in Young Enterprise. She said, “We have increased our inter- personal and communication skills and recognise the need for team work to bring about success.”

Last modified: December 15, 2019