Bangor Academy students showcasing thier products

Young Entrepreneurs from Bangor Academy enjoyed an exciting night at the Young Enterprise Awards at Belfast City Hall to recognise the hard work and dedication from students who completed the Company Programme this year. The Company Programme gives young people the chance to run their own business over the academic year with guidance from a business volunteer, sell their products at trade fairs and compete with other schools.

Local charity Young Enterprise, with support from Ulster University Business School and EY, staged its annual awards ceremony where the top businesses and individuals from across Northern Ireland were crowned. Lauren Coleman from Belfast Model School for Girls, and magician Rodd Hogg provided entertainment on the night, while young Enterprise Alumnus Reuben McFeeters gave the audience an insight into how he started his business, Way North.

Another Man’s Treasure from Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College was one of 6 finalists, out of almost 100 companies, in the running to become the Best Overall Company. The process involved a daunting pitch and interview at Invest NI Headquarters in Belfast facing a panel of some of Northern Ireland’s top business moguls including David Elliot, Editor at Ulster Business Magazine, and Gerry McGinn, Chairman of the Strategic Investment Board. Congratulations to all the winners on the night, but in particular Enlighten Hope from St Patrick’s College in Dungannon who took home the award for Best Overall Company and will go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK Finals in July.

Another Man’s Treasure has developed a range of homewares made from recycling scratched vinyl records into clocks, bowls and coasters. The company attended The Big Market in St George’s Market before Christmas, and were Highly Commended in the Best Company category, which proved a strong starting point to build on for the rest of the Programme. They were also awarded the Best Overall Company at the South East Trade Fair in February.

The Young Enterprise Company Programme runs every year in schools across Northern Ireland, allowing students to develop their entrepreneurial skills whilst connecting with local businesses.