Bury College Foundation Studies students capitalise on their employability skills to launch exciting new business.

Business Challenge students were delighted to introduce their new business ‘Superstars’ to the staff and students of Bury College. Learners were tasked to set up and manage a successful business for the course of one college year. The initial set-up of the business included an introductory planning meeting where the name was agreed, calendar of events planned and admin work such as VAT, registration fees and shares organised.

Students invited peers and tutors to their launch event which involved a tombola and a Christmas gift stall where they sold their hand-made cards. Throughout the year, the handmade gifts will be tailored to topical calendar dates such as Valentine’s Day, Fathers and Mother’s Day and Easter and will visit a range of high profile venues such as the Trafford Centre.

Foundation Studies tutor Elaine Hopwood believes the Business Challenge course will improve students confidence as well as gaining practical experience of running a business. Elaine said, “Today we launched the Young Enterprise business and our students will be gaining experience learning how to run a business for a year. Any profits left at the end will be shared amongst the students as wages to help them prepare for employability in the future.”

Former Elms Bank pupil, Joseph Hogg is enjoying the course and the opportunities available at Bury College. Joseph said, “I really enjoyed helping set-up for todays launch event and letting everyone at the college know about our new business.”