The entrepreneurial spirit of Blaise High School‘s Young Enterprise group was on full display as it secured the prestigious prize for Best Company Presentation at the area showcase final held at Bristol Business School, University of the West of England.
Competing against eight teams from Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, the seven Year 9 students from Blaise High School in Bristol demonstrated exceptional innovation in the world of business. Remarkably, they were the youngest team within the competition, surrounded by sixth form and college students.
Their venture, Botanic Palace, captivated judges and audiences alike with its visionary concept – crafting seeded paper infused with the essence of lavender, forget-me-nots and pansies, each chosen for its symbolic significance. With an eye toward expansion, the team plans to broaden their product line by incorporating additional seed varieties and introducing greeting cards featuring their unique seeded paper.
Whilst participating in the Young Enterprise programme, the students attended two trade fairs in Bristol, held in November and March. This hands-on approach enabled them to hone their skills in the art of salesmanship and gain confidence in engaging with the public. The Year 9 students also managed all aspects of the business, from finances to inventory management.
At the final showcase in April, they delivered a stellar presentation, impressing a panel of judges representing local businesses, academic institutions, and fellow competitors. They displayed passion and understanding and left an indelible mark on the audience, securing the coveted Best Company Presentation award.
Nat Nabarro, Headteacher of Blaise High School, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievement, lauding their dedication and creativity, saying, “Blaise High School congratulates our exceptional Young Enterprise team on their well-deserved victory.”
Blaise High School celebrates this distinguished achievement in the midst of the school’s improvement journey. Their most recent Ofsted inspection judged Blaise High School as ‘Good’ in every category, reflecting the hard work of their students, staff and entire school community.