Pupils from all Dundee and Angus secondary schools took part in the second George Donald Fund Secondary School’s Enterprise Challenge Event.

The challenge involved teams of 4 pupils from each school tackling a live business challenge in a competitive environment and up against tight deadlines. Each school was sponsored by a business who gave practical advice and support during the event.

The teams had the opportunity to discuss their business ideas with ‘marketing panels’ comprising local marketing professionals. They were given 2 minutes to present their business idea at the end of the day and create an A1 poster demonstrating how their business idea could be resourced.

Judging the business ideas were Alison Henderson, Chief Executive Officer at the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, Ian Collins, Area Director of Local Banking, Bank of Scotland and Dr Masoumeh Velayati, Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in Gender and Development at Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education.

They chose an ambitious airport expansion plan by Braeview Academy, whose business sponsor was Key Talent Partners, as the overall winner. The ‘Pupil’s Choice’ award went to Carnoustie High, sponsored by the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, for their new enterprise which introduced shuttle bus tours around the Dundee and Angus area.

Helen Smith, Senior Lecturer from Dundee Business School at Abertay University said “The Schools Enterprise Challenge brings together partners from education, business and social enterprise to create a unique learning opportunity for the young people of Dundee and Angus. We also introduce the school pupils to student mentors studying a variety of courses at Abertay”.

Alison Henderson, Chamber CEO added “The highlight was seeing the teamwork of the schools and the companies. The energy and the ideas coming from the pupils was truly amazing. The important takeaway from the day is continuing the relationship between the businesses and the schools. We’ve had a tremendous response from Chamber members and other local companies willing to share their knowledge and expertise while working with the school teams.”