WITH Christmas only weeks away Young Enterprise companies have been busy setting up stalls at Castlepoint and Poole Dolphin centre.

On 27th November four local companies braved the freezing temperatures to set up trade stalls at Castlepoint.

Pupils from Parkstone Grammar, Bishop of Winchester, Portchester school, Talbot Heath school and Bournemouth Collegiate school all had a successful day and made profits for their companies.

On Sunday 12th December, with Christmas only 2 weeks away, companies tried to catch the Christmas shoppers at Poole Dolphin centre with their products and tombola’s.

These trade opportunities have allowed the pupils to experience first hand how to price their products and to attract customers to their stall. Confidence throughout the day grew as the companies started to make a profit and the pupils learnt how to market their products and talk to potential customers.

Viridis and Sigma are two companies comprised of pupils from Talbot Heath and Parkstone Grammer schools.

Viridis have created a vintage theme and have sold-out of their first batch of scarf’s while Sigma are selling creative and professional Christmas cards with photos of Christmas beach scenes, which they took themselves.

Year 12 pupils from Purbeck school make up Spirit who ran a successful lucky dip at Poole Dolphin centre.

Their teacher, Andrew Dennes has been supporting Young Enterprise companies for many years and says of the scheme: “Over the past few years I have seen many students’ benefits from their involvement with the Young Enterprise Company Programme. This is demonstrated not only in a wider understanding of business but also in terms of their own confidence building, team working development and problem solving.”

Companies will be back in Poole Dolphin centre on Sunday 19th December, come and see them for your last minute stocking fillers and find out more about their Young Enterprise experience.

On Thursday 9th December companies had the chance to speak to top Dorset businesses at the Dorset business awards where volunteers Anne Jolliffe (Tower Park) and Steve Mills (D2 Integrated) were nominated for the linking with schools award in recognition of their work with local young people.

For more information contact Hannah.cook@yesw.org.uk