News Article

On 26th February 2010, over 35 Young Enterprise Companies, from all over Greater Manchester, took to The Orient in The Trafford Centre for the Annual Spring Trade Fair, and what a fantastic event. The energy and enthusiasm was infectious, from students and teachers alike!

It was an early start to set up the elaborate stands, each one with a unique approach to try and out-shine the competition. Different products and services were being offered, ranging from recycled bags, personalised t-shirts, and flowers hand-made from tights, to Sign-Language cards, Road Safety guides for children, and even houses for bees! There were also some successful events companies, one of which who has hired The Manchester Academy for a night to showcase some unsigned bands.

There was a great amount of interest from the general public. Customers were incredibly impressed with the excellent products and services, the selling techniques and the professionalism demonstrated throughout the day.
Alongside generating an interest in their company, the Directors were required to answer a gruelling set of questions from three separate judges. The panel of judges had the difficult task of deciding which 6 companies would receive the awards, and after interviewing each company in turn on 3 different aspects (marketing, business, and people elements) they came to what was a very tough decision.

Congratulations go to Visualise Media of Winstanley College who were the overall winners of the Trade Fair, with the runner-up prize going to SOS of Withington Girls' School. The award for Best Product went to Project Endeavour of Audenshaw School, with Highly-commended Product going to Cre8iv Galleries of Bridge College and the award for Best Marketing went to STARS of Fairfield High School for Girls, with Highly-commended Marketing going to Eivissa of Oldham Hulme Grammar School.

Special thanks go to The Trafford Centre for allowing Young Enterprise to hold this event for another successful year.

Good Luck to all companies as we head towards the Finals!