Learners from our Business Career Excellence Hub have raised an incredible £5,170 for Weston Hospicecare, through the Business Enterprise Challenge.

Now in it’s second year, the Business Enterprise Challenge sees Business students split into18 groups, and tasked with raising money for Weston Hospicecare. Each group are given a Business Mentor, as well as a £50 donation for a start-up budget. The challenge is to turn their £50 into the most profit, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Each group of learners have created their business plan, which includes sourcing products, developing their pricing strategy, coming up with a marketing plan and then selling their product or service.

The groups ran their businesses from October to January, and included companies that created ‘Christmas Treat Baubles’ for pets, sustainable eco-friendly biodegradable ‘Self Care Packages’ and an events management business.

Dean of Faculty for Professional Studies Access to HE & Animal Science at Weston College, Helen George, said: “We are so proud of what our learners have achieved as part of this challenge. Over the course of the challenge, we have seen learners grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers.

Most importantly learners have raised a lot of money for Weston Hospicecare, which has been the driving force behind the success we have seen to date.

Thank you to our Business Mentors who have provided such valuable advice, guidance and feedback to the learners. We really appreciate their support.”

Each group of learners presented their experiences to a judging panel, as well as sharing how much they raised, which resulted in four award winning groups:

• Fundraisers Achievement Award – Isabelle, Abi, Elena, Lauren, Inga, Lloyd, and Wiktor
• Best Presentation Award – Nicole, Ella, Olivia, Milly, Eva, and Amanda
• Product Innovation Award – Paige, Martyna, and Eloise
• Employer Engagement/Networking Award – Thomas, Charlotte, Grace, Harry, Reg, and Daniel
• Overall Winners Award – Jodine, Melwin, Harry, Samuel, Maddison, and Denver.

Philppa Haynes, Founder of Insight 101 Brand Strategy Consultant, and mentor to our overall winners, said: “I’ve always been impressed by the commitment of Weston College to its students. The Enterprise Challenge Awards, sponsored by Weston Hospicecare, is yet another feather in their cap. As a mentor for the winning team which raised over £1000, I’m so proud of the students. Guts, determination and a little bit of flair were very much key to their success.”

Ben Whitwell, Creative Director Benji Graphics, and also a mentor, said “This was a really great project to be involved with, not only did it raise a fantastic amount for Weston Hospicecare, but it gave us a chance to work with really passionate and enthusiastic students from Weston College. It was really rewarding seeing their project through from planning through to sales and great to see them rewarded for all their efforts. I’ll be back next year, and I’m coming back to win with my team!

If you would like to find out more about studying a business course at Weston College, click here.