Young Entrepreneurs celebrated in Telford

The event is part of an international competition, organised by education and business charity, Young Enterprise. It encourages teenagers from schools and colleges to gain first-hand experience in the business world by creating a business from scratch and making it profitable.

This year marks the 51st year the event is taking place and it is the biggest year to date for the Shropshire region with 48 businesses being created by school groups – proving there are a lot of talented youngsters in the West Midlands.

Chris Jones, Centre Director for Telford Shopping Centre, said: “Young Enterprise is a remarkable organisation. We all know how challenging it can be for young people to find a job in the current economic climate but projects like this stimulate youthful creativity and promote fresh new talent. Active participation should contribute greatly to their CVs and their future employment applications.

“To be given the opportunity to develop one’s own business and manage every aspect from finances to marketing is surely an ideal way to learn practical commercial skills. We are delighted to accommodate this very special trade fair and we wish all participating groups every success with their individual ventures.”

Tim Barker, YE Manager for Shropshire, said; “Winners of the Shropshire event will represent the county at the West Midlands Finals, with the hope of progressing to the UK Finals held in London and the JA-YE European Competition. Each year more and more young people are taking part in this competition. Last year, for example 29 companies took part; this year we have 48.”

Young Enterprise is an education and business charity that runs a suite of programmes designed to initiate young people into the world of business. Programmes cover the age range from 5 to 25+ and give people an insight into all aspects of enterprise while they are still at school or college.