YOUNG entrepreneurs have been proving they have what it takes to be the next Alan Sugar by setting up their own business.
Year 13 pupils, all studying business at The de Ferrers Academy Sixth Form, in Horninglow, are taking part in this year’s Young Enterprise competition, in which young people run their own companies for a year.
The students called their team ‘Qualitea’ and came up with the concept of creating a humorous mug which also holds biscuits for this year’s entry.
Hamza Orta, 16, who is managing director of Qualitea, said: “After lots of brainstorming, we finally thought of a funny mug that holds biscuits.
“We think it’s a great product because it’s something that everyone can enjoy and it makes a great, fun present.” So far, comical design ideas include ‘Hot Chocolate’, ‘Mr Tea’ and ‘Tea-Rex’.
To raise the money for their venture, team Qualitea organised and ran Christmas games at the school and other local Christmas fairs.
Hamza said: “We thought putting on games and activities for local people would be a good way to integrate with the local community and it would also be something that parents and children would enjoy.
“We’ve managed to raise nearly £100 to put towards our project so it’s a great start.”
The students attended three Christmas fairs altogether at The de Ferrers Academy, Mosley Primary School and John of Rolleston Primary School.
Games and activities included ‘guess how many sweets are in the jar’, face painting and henna tattoos.
The students raised £97.50 in total, which will go towards production costs of the mugs.
Denise Sharkey, business studies teacher at the academy, said: “The Young Enterprise scheme is a great way for the students to gain some real ‘on-the-job’ skills and gain a deeper understanding of what running a business is actually like.”
The mugs will be on sale in the New Year and details of when and where they can be purchased will be available on the academy’s website closer to the time.
Further information about Young Enterprise or The de Ferrers Academy sixth form is available by calling 01283 239936, emailing office@deferrers.com or visiting www.deferrers.com.
