On Friday students from Fitzwimarc School and Greensward Academy were presented with awards for their efforts in a Business Challenge Day set up by Rochford District Council.

Students from Greensward school with their award

In January the Council funded a Business Challenge Day for local students from Fitzwimarc, Greensward College and King Edmunds.

The students came together at the Freight House in Rochford and were set a challenge to re-brand and develop a business case for Ballard’s Golf Club which is currently undergoing refurbishment.
The idea of the day was to give students an understanding of the skills they need to develop a chosen career path in self-employment or entrepreneurship.

Fitzwimarc School won the competition with Greensward Academy close runners up. They were presented with a certificate, trophy, student vouchers for Woo and £50 prize money donated by Hockley Chamber of Trade.

Both teams gave their presentation in front of an audience which included Councillor Keith Gordon, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Heritage, the Arts, Culture and Business and Councillor Mavis Webster, Portfolio Holder for Service Development/Improvement and Performance Management.
The ceremony was also attended by Rochford District Council Chief Executive Paul Warren, Chairman Tony Humphries and Business Woman of the Year 2008, Sam Bright.

After the ceremony Councillor Keith Gordon, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Heritage, the Arts, Culture and Business said: “It’s really pleasing to see young people getting involved in business. Rochford District Council is serious about business and this was an exercise in ensuring that the business people of tomorrow are given the necessary skills and experience they need to be successful.”