NINE companies formed by local students competed to represent their county.

The Young Enterprise Final in Dorset was held at the Menzies Carlton Hotel, with teams drawn from 11 schools.

Each company presented its business case to a panel of judges and a public audience.

Products included a stylish backpack with built-in solar charging for a mobile phone; a festivals app; a children’s sponge with integrated soap capsule; and a range of reflective clothing to improve road safety.

James Robinson, a partner from Princecroft Willis and chari of the judges, said: “From a judge’s perspective, the 2015 competition had everything – innovation, design, marketing, IT and not forgetting those all important administrative skills.”

The overall winning company was Cortex with its idea of seed kits for families to plant trees.

Its managing director, Macaulay Smith from St Edward’s School in Poole, said: “Our product is targeted at families who want to do something different and go outdoors more, rather than follow the modern day stereotype of spending Sunday afternoon sat in front of the television.”

St Edward’s School has been involved with Young Enterprise for 10 years.

Colin Kilpatrick, head of business studies, said: “Each year we see massive personal development of our students; not just in their business skills but aligning their company development to their academic studies.”

The contest continues with regional and national finals, the winners of which will represent the UK in Berlin in July.

For details of how to get involved next year, email Dorset@y-e.org.uk

The list of winners was as follows: Dorset Company of the Year 2015 (sponsored by Bournemouth Borough Council): 1 Cortex – St Edward’s, Poole; 2 Xanadu – Magna Academy, Poole; 3 Initio – Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster.

Trade Stand of the Year (Proctor & Gamble): Magna Academy.

Presentation of the Year (Ellesco): Cherrie – Glenmoor & Winton Academies.

Most Innovative Product (Ellesco): Distinction – Harewoon Parkstone Grammar, Poole Grammar, Poole High, St Edward's and Talbot Heath schools and Glenmoor & Winton Academies.

New Media (Adido): Initio.

Corporate Responsibility (JP Morgan): Young Minds Alike – Poole High School, Poole.

Company Report of the Year (Tower Park): Initio.

Best Use of IT (Lexis Click Online Marketing): Shahdi –Parkstone Grammar, Poole Grammar, Poole High, Talbot Heath and Harewood schools

Best Financially Managed Company (Princecroft Willis): Accenture – Clayesmore School.

Personal Special Achievement (Borough of Poole): Hannah Goram – Weymouth College. Highly commended: Sophie Eaton – Bourne Academy, Bournemouth; Bethany Millar – Glenmoor Academy.

Centre Lead of the Year (288 Group): Rachel Hopkins – Gillingham School

Business Adviser of the Year (Young Enterprise Dorset Board): Anne Jolliffe – Tower Park, Poole