Our Young Enterprise companies, De-Jar-Vu and Engrained have been running as companies for over six months.
Both teams have come up with products that focus on sustainability, but with a close eye on costs and profit margins. De-Jar-vu produce scented candles in recycled jam jars using sustainably sourced wax, whilst Engrained create bespoke luggage and name tags from recycled wood and seed bombs.
On Saturday 25 March both companies attended the local Young Enterprise Trade Fair hosted by The Oracle shopping centre, Reading. This was an opportunity to meet and sell to the public – something that both teams took in their stride. Congratulations go to both Engrained, who won the sustainability award at the Trade Fair and De-Jar-Vu, who secured the highest sales revenue of all teams attending on the day.
Both companies are currently working hard to produce their business plans and reports of progress so far which are submitted in advance of the final phase of the programme: the local Showcase Final event. This is being hosted by the IT firm Oracle based in Thames Valley Park, Reading and will be the culmination of the year’s work. At this event the teams will be judged on their trade stands, products, sustainability, marketing effectiveness and have to deliver a presentation about their journey and then take questions from the audience.
Dr Steven West, YE Centre Lead commented:
“I am immensely proud of all students who have worked hard to firstly set up their companies, undertake market research, develop and manufacture their products, then move into sales grasping every selling opportunity both at school and wider afield. They have individually learnt a great deal about business and resilience and developed a valuable set of skills that they will take into the next stage of the educational careers and beyond. I watch with interest as they prepare for the final stages of the programme and the most competitive elements of their journey so far. I wish both teams the very best of luck.”
