Next generation of entrepreneurs in Walsall recognised at national awards
A group of primary school pupils from Walsall have placed runners up in a national entrepreneurship competition.
Alice, Arabella, Daniel, Leah, Poppy, Tyler B, Tyler E, and William are Year 6 pupils from Pool Hayes primary school, and attended the national finals of the Tycoon Enterprise Competition held in Canary Wharf on 14 November.
The group entered the competition as the ‘Crafty Arts’ team and set up a business which encouraged young people to channel their artistic flair and creativity.
During their trading window, the team raised over £300 in profits, which has since been donated to local charities and school projects.
Pool Hayes primary school has reached the national finals of the competition for the last four years, competing against more than 300 other schools across the UK before being selected as finalists.
The competition was first launched in 2012 by Peter Jones CBE and provides a start-up loan for pupils to set up and operate a business whilst at school or college.
The competition helps students develop their entrepreneurial skills and provides a hands-on experience of running a business.
Alan Carter, Deputy Headteacher at Pool Hayes primary school said: “As a small school, we are very proud and delighted to celebrate our team’s amazing feat.
“To achieve a national award for a fourth-year running is not only unparalleled in this competition, but also fundamentally important for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, it demonstrates that, for almost half a decade, our children have created and led inspiring businesses. This consistency has given the whole school an amazing blueprint for, not only entrepreneurism, but for a significant level of philanthropy.
“This fantastic, altruistic spirit has paved the way to supporting the children in our school, our families and our wider community.
“The very fact that our children have decided to donate their profits to local charities and environmental improvements, such as planting new trees is nothing short of exemplary.
“What’s in store for our young business leaders this year? The top spot!"
Councillor Pardeep Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills at Walsall Council, said: "
What a fantastic achievement for the Crafty Arts team, a big well done from all of us at Walsall Council.
It’s great to see one of our schools receive consistent recognition nationally, for developing the next generation of entrepreneurs in the borough."
More information about the competition can be found at peterjonesfoundation.org/tycoon-enterprise-competition.
