Queen Margaret’s School pupils make it to final of Real Business Challenge

Pupils at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick have made it through to the final of the Real Business Challenge – where they will face an extra examination of their abilities in the shape of a secret brief.

Working to tight deadlines, the students had to come up with a business plan for the launch of a new education centre and present their ideas for how it would be designed, marketed, produced and distributed.

Their efforts, under the gaze of business professionals who acted as mentors, saw them overcome competition from 80 other schools to be shortlisted for the final of the Challenge, which is run by Coca-Cola Enterprises and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

Dr Paul Silverwood, the school’s head teacher, said: “We’re so proud of our students.

“They really enjoyed the experience and are delighted to be through to the final. The Real Business Challenge is something really unique which gives our students the chance to experience a bit of the business world.

“The challenge helps students to develop these enterprising skills and grow their confidence – as well as having a lot of fun.”

The final will be staged on Nove-mber 20 at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, with representatives from Coca-Cola and Yorkshire Forward on the judging panel together with a guest celebrity.

Alex McWhirter, deputy director of business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “The Real Business Challenge is all about getting young people to think about business in a different and very real way.

“We want to show them that they can make a difference and to show them how to turn their talents and ideas into something very real.

“It’s a great way for them to develop these key skills early on and familiarise themselves with the business world.”

The final will pit the wits of challengers from 12 schools across Yorkshire against each other, with Queen Margaret’s the only North Yorkshire representative in the running for the overall award.