We were invited to the Annual Young Enterprise Company Team Programme – Cheshire & Warrington Finals, held last week at Edge Hill University.
This year, we were proud to sponsor the Sustainability Award at the finals, and the well-deserved winners of that award were Mindstones School from Ellesmere Port, whose business concept was centred on Lithops, also known as “living stones”. These small, stemless succulent plants resemble stones as a natural defence mechanism against being grazed by animals in their native environment—the arid regions of South Africa. The team sold the plants in small pots, complete with thoughtfully designed care instructions.
They had tough competition in this category; but the judges were particularly impressed by the team’s resilience and determination. Despite being a small group that faced a number of challenges along the way, they demonstrated real commitment and perseverance in bringing their product to market. The judges praised the innovation and uniqueness of the idea, as well as the team’s strong focus on sustainability—not only in the product itself, but throughout the supply chain.
Karen Lounds, Business Services Director, commented:
“It really was a fantastic day, and all of the students demonstrated a high level of commitment to the Young Enterprise Programme, which made for a very successful and inspiring event.”
These 4 winning finalists (as below) will now go on to the Northwest Finals at the University of Salford on 15th May and we are wishing those schools the best of luck!
Ponchelta from Cockermouth school in Cumbria
SAPP Enterprise from Christleton High School in Chester
Little Harvest from Our Lady’s Catholic High School in Preston
Talk2Teens, Alderley Edge High School for Girls and Fallibroome Academy