IN AN exciting, tense and professional event on Thursday, May 5 the Young Enterprise company ‘Estupendo’ from Corfe Hills School was named as Dorset company of the year.

They will go on to represent the County at the regional final on June 14. The event was attended by eight companies, with each one demonstrating that Dorset has some very talented young entrepreneurs.

The range and quality of the products that had been designed and produced was extremely high with most companies still continuing to market and sell their products.

Estupendo were judged to win best overall company with their loyalty card scheme, more information about them and their product can be found at www.corfehillscard.co.uk

The award was supported by Seeker photography who will conduct a professional photo shoot with the company to prepare them for the regional final. The group cannot wait to compete in the next round of the competition and hope to continue growing and evolving their business.

Steve Cook from Seeker photography said: “The quality of all of the finalists was exceptional, the great thing about Young Enterprise is that it teaches the pupils to do things properly.

“This is from finding the finances to start the business, through to ideas, product design, research, marketing and presentation skills.

“A great many adult start ups could learn a great deal from looking at the way these youngsters developed their businesses.”

Zoe Guscott, their link teacher from Corfe Hills School who won the link teacher of the year award, said: “The students are buzzing after their success last night. It has been a great experience and we look forward to the regional finals. We are very proud of them.”

Estupendo were advised by Ian Glen from the 288 Group Ltd and Sasha Morgan from New Driver.

Ian said: “It’s great to get to work so closely with the students from Corfe Hills School and see them bring such a great idea as the CorfeHillsCard to market.

“It was fantastic to watch them win Company of the Year.”

Ian and Sasha also won the Business advisors of the year award, supported by Dorset Chamber of Commerce.

Estupendo also won Best Report and Best Financially Managed Company which was supported by Kier Construction. The Best Trade Stand award which was supported by Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce went to Epilimnion, who have managed to strike a deal with Sit-Up TV to sell eyelash extensions.

The most innovative product award was given to SwipEase, who has designed a unique and very clever healthy eating swipe card to replace taking money to school and as a way for parents to monitor their child’s diet.

Judges were astounded by the talent and commitment within the group, with their MD Scott Campbell being recognised with a special achievement award, sponsored by Tower Park.

Viridis, with pupils from Talbot Heath and Parkstone Grammar School, won the J.P. Morgan Corporate responsibility award as well as the Best Presentation award which was supported by Humphries Kirk.

The MD of Viridis said: “Our Young Enterprise company, Viridis, have always had a passion for restoring vintage to the high street, and took the initiative of transforming old, unplayable vinyl records into products of everyday use – bowls, clocks, notebooks, candles and bags.

“Personally I learnt so much from this Young Enterprise experience, from how to manage members of a business (playing to everyone's strengths) to how to approach businesses about our product.

“The most enjoyable part of the experience for me is when we're selling our products at trade stalls; as a team we always seem to have a great time regardless of how many sales we make, as being together, selling products we are passionate about strengthens our team spirit and helps us look towards new opportunities and directions for our business together.”

The competition was very close with Loops, from Poole High School, Accelerate from Talbot Heath School and Unite Teens from a mix of Bournemouth schools, narrowly missing out on an award.

Each company has been advised by a volunteer who has met with them for approximately two hours a week since September. Advisors and teachers are now needed who would like to be part of the company programme starting in September. Days and locations can be flexible and full training and support is offered. Please e-mail Hannah.cook@yesw.org.uk to find out more.

Adrian Trevett said: “The Borough of Poole is a keen supporter of Young Enterprise.

“In my role as Economic Development Manager I have to do what I can to assist businesses to improve the local economy.

“I deal with many businesses everyday from ;ocal one man sole traders to global organisations employing thousands of people.

“Through judging the Young Enterprise Dorset Finals I can quite clearly see that there is a lot of talent coming through the ranks that will certainly assist in my role in the future.

“The reports, trade stands and presentations were of an excellent quality and credit must go to the students, assistants, Young Enterprise and all of those involved. I wish Estupendo the best of luck in the next stage.” David Drysdale, Editor of Whatify.org said: “When I went to judge the finals, I was looking for creativity and innovation in all parts of the Young Enterprise businesses, and I wasn’t disappointed.

“Every one of the eight finalists had developed their ideas beyond what I would have expected after such a short time.”

Company of the year (Seeker News & Photo): Estupendo

Most Innovative Product (Merlin Equipment): SwipEase

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Responsibility Award: Viridis

Special Achievement Award (Tower Park) Scott Collins from SwipEase

Best Report: Estupendo

Best Trade Stand (BCTC): Epilimnion

Best Presentation (Humphries Kirk): Viridis

Best financially managed company (KIER): Estupendo

Link Teacher of the Year: Zoe Guscott from Corfe Hills

Business Advisor of the year (Dorset Chamber of Commerce): Sasha Morgan (New Driver) and Ian Glen (288 Group)

If you can spare two hours a week, visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk to find out more about Young Enterprise. Contact Hannah.towner@yesw.org.uk for information on how to get involved.