Yesterday afternoon, Thirteen from Colchester County High School for Girls were awarded the £1,000 prize after competing in the Young Enterprise Company Programme that sees secondary school pupils across the UK set up and run their own business over the school year. Responding to the level of child obesity in the UK, Thirteen set up a business that developed the ‘Vegimat’, a place mat or wall chart for children to encourage the consumption of fruit and vegetables.

This year around 2,400 Young Enterprise companies were established with each group supported by a local business volunteer. Between them these new business start-ups have turned over an estimated £2.1 million this year alone.

Hayley Turner the Managing Director of Thirteen was delighted to win. She said: “Like everyone, we were obviously hoping to be in the top three, but never imagined we’d actually win! The judges were really tough on us so it’s been a tricky few days but all the hard work has paid off. We’re so excited about the European finals – fingers crossed for more success!”

They were supported throughout the competition by their link teacher, Nick Harvey. Nick said: “At every round of the competition I have felt so proud of Thirteen. They have excelled all my expectations and are an outstanding team with an outstanding product. They have followed their noses and applied common sense to overcome challenges. The most important thing to remember is that they are trying to make a big difference to a big issue facing the Uk.”

The Company Programme is a real business experience that enables young people to learn directly from people at the heart of business – and vice versa.

Runners-up at the awards were The Super Amazing Ginger Company from Dumbarton Academy in Scotland who developed an educational board game with CD-rom. In third place were Gibsights from Gibraltar College in Gibraltar who set up an MP3 Audio Walking Tour of Gibraltar, with a tailor made accompanying map.

John May, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise, said: “It is a great achievement for the teams just to reach the Innovation Awards finals. Thirteen showed impressive enterprise and entrepreneurial talent and are worthy winners from a strong field.

“The Company Programme plays an integral part in the development of young people, harnessing their creativity and innovation as tomorrow’s business leaders, entrepreneurs and enterprising employees. If the teams that I have had the pleasure of meeting at this year’s awards are anything to go by, the future of UK plc is in good shape.”

The Innovation Awards is supported by leading bank, HSBC. Maggie Crompton, Head of Corporate Sustainability for HSBC UK, said: “Financial and enterprise education is a core aspect of our work in communities across the world. Our support recognises the importance of recognising the best the next generation has to offer and the Innovation Awards are a fantastic opportunity to do this.”

The Company Programme offers young people direct experience of business through working together to set up and run their own real company, mentored by a Young Enterprise volunteer adviser from a local business. The annual awards see the top 12 student companies from across the UK compete to become ‘company of the year’.

John May added: “It is vital that young people are prepared for the economic challenges ahead. The Company Programme helps young people to develop the skills, behaviours and attitudes they will need to become the driving force behind the UK’s economic recovery.

For more information about how your school, college or business can get involved with the Young Enterprise Company Programme, visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk and contact your local Young Enterprise office.

Award winners at this year’s HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards were:

Company of the Year – Thirteen, from Colchester County High School for Girls, East of England
Company of the Year runners up – The Super Amazing Ginger Company, from Dumbarton Academy, Scotland
Company of the Year third place – Gibsights, from Gibraltar College, Yorks & Humber
New Media Award – Twenty iii, from Parkstone Grammar, Glenmore & Talbot Heath Schools.
Business Adviser of the Year Award – Graham Varney of Benfield and Loxley building contractors. Adviser to Oxygen, from Oxford High School, South East
Production Award – Felicitas, from St Dominic’s School, West Midlands
Financial Management Award – Bandwagon, from West Bridgford Sixth Form, East Midlands
Marketing Award – Bandwagon, from West Bridgford Sixth Form, East Midlands