Last updated 15:52, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

And the winners are...The Nelson Thomlinson School were presented with their Young Enterprise Awards at Carlisle Racecourse

BUSINESS stars of the future gathered at Carlisle Racecourse for a celebration of Young Enterprise. Young people from Carlisle and Penrith schools have spent the last year setting up companies to compete in a business challenge.

Last month saw the nerve-wracking finalé of their efforts – a presentation in front of colleagues and business leaders.

The overall winner was Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton; with Newman School, Carlisle, runners-up.

They will compete in the final, which will be held at the Racecourse in May.

Winner of the special achievement award was Morton School, Carlisle.

Alice Hallewell, 17, and Ellie Docx, 16, from Nelson Thomlinson, helped to form BagCycle – a company promoting recycling.

Alice, the managing director, said: “The products are attractive, individual and environmentally friendly. It has been great and a really good experience.”

Ellie, the creative director, said: “One of the highlights was winning the Christmas trade fair – we were very happy with that.”

Laura Johnson from Trinity School, Carlisle, is managing director of Tri – a company that makes cushions and baubles.

Laura, 17, said: “I don’t think when we started we knew what we had to take on – but it has been great.

“It teaches you a lot more about business and gives you an idea of the skills you need.”

Students from Carlisle’s Newman School, Claire Baker and Imogen Bibby, headed up design company Unique.

Managing director, Claire, said: “After this I think I would be quite interested in following business as a career.”

Imogen, the design director, said: “We came fourth at the last trade fair that was held here and we were very pleased.”

Ken Herd, from the Cumberland Building Society, who helpedset up the Young Enterprise Scheme, said: “They are judged on three areas – the spring trade show, company report and the presentation.

“They have had a real taste of business – forming companies, selling shares, marketing and finally liquidation.

“Some of them have even had to fire people.”