MORE than 100 pupils are preparing to do business at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, York.

The 15 to 19-year-olds in 18 "mini companies" drawn from 14 schools across York and North Yorkshire will compete for customers and demonstrate their business skills by staging a gift fair as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

They will promote the products they have manufactured and marketed during their academic year in Young Enterprise's Company Programme and Team Programme, where students learn about running a real company as part of a competition on the day they will also be "mystery shopped" to ascertain who has the best sale technique and worthy of the £50 prize.

Shoppers visiting the outlet during the day will have the chance to see and buy the creative designs, including jewellery, greeting cards, vinyl clocks, hand-crafted signs, gardening products, a food and drink guide for York, and even personalised underwear.

Many products, the pupils will point out, are ideal for last minute value-for-money Valentine's Day gifts.

Ashleigh McMillan, development manager for Young Enterprise in North Yorkshire, said: "While the gift fair is a wonderful opportunity for the companies to unveil their products to the public and boost sales and experience, it is really a showcase for the achievements of these young people in growing their skills, knowledge and confidence in such a short time."

David Aunins, retail operations manager at McArthurGlen York, said: "We thought this was a great initiative to support the community.

"The young business students have worked hard to come up with some strong ideas and we're looking forward to welcoming them to the centre."

Anyone who wants to support Young Enterprise in North Yorkshire, should phone Miss McMillan on 07743 338871.

Updated: 10:49 Friday, February 10, 2006