Young Enterprise 2023 
Best Company !
Students from this year's Young Enterprise Company Programme team, Tug of Paw, attended the Company Showcase competition on Wednesday 19th March at the Mastercard offices in London. Students needed to submit a detailed business report in advance of the event which was skilfully edited by the firm’s MD, Daniel Austin. At the event, they set up a trade stand to showcase their product - dog toys made from recycled clothing. The judges interviewed the four representatives at their stand where they needed to explain the inspiration behind the product and the problems that both plastic or rubber dog toys and fast fashion are causing for our planet. The team were then taken off to a separate interview room where judges quizzed them on their business report, finances and the Company Programme process. They felt confident as they returned to their trade stand that they had made a good impression, having researched the judges and found out that they were dog owners - they could use the pitches that they had perfected at both Spitalfields and Greenwich markets! Next the team needed to give a presentation summary of their product, business and experiences so far in the Company Programme to all other competing schools, parents, teachers, business advisors, Young Enterprise and Mastercard staff and management. They were nervous but soon got into their flow, with the audience audibly reacting to the visuals of the team’s happy four-legged customers. They kept the audience engaged throughout, and it was inspiring to see our young entrepreneurs rise to this challenge, keep their cool and completely ace this aspect of the competition. Finally, it was time for all prize winners to be announced, and the team respectfully congratulated their competitors as the awards went out to some very strong teams. The most prestigious award was saved until last and the winners - Tug of Paw - were announced! The awarding judge described the team as being outstanding in all areas of the competition, innovative in tackling a very real problem and commended them for having 100% (canine) customer satisfaction.
Well done to Daniel Austin, Spencer Cox, Aisha Jokomba and Mason Mckenna for their exceptional performances. They represent a large team who are also responsible for the ideas, acumen, report writing and organisation of the business. Tug of Paw go on to compete in the East London Final in May, and we wish them all the very best of luck.
The four competing members are pictured here, alongside their business advisor Henry Wong on the far right. Henry is a Developed Markets Equity Analyst at HSBC and former Bexley Grammar School student. Henry took part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme during his time at the school and is a valuable source of advice and support to our students through the process.
Mrs Harris, Head of Business & Economics
Many congratulations to Lucas Drake (Year 8) who participated in the mini marathon on Sunday - running the 2.6km course in an impressive 10 minutes and 2 seconds. He worked hard to qualify via his running club (Bexley AC) and should also be proud of the money he has raised for Young Minds Trust: over £500 so far. If you would like to contribute to Lucas's fundraising efforts please follow the link below.
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