Young apprentices set up shop at the Mander Centre

Published:  13 December, 2010

Budding entrepreneurs have been showcasing their business skills at the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton.

Christmas shoppers were treated to an array of unique festive gifts when the West Midlands’ brightest business talents set up shop and sold their items on Saturday as they took part in the regional heat of the Young Enterprise programme.

Sixteen schools competed against each other in the Young Enterprise event, giving judges the chance to view their stalls, set up especially for the scheme.

The stalls, which sold items including vintage clothing and baubles, were then judged by a panel of experts who gave each school tips and pointers on how to make their business more successful. 

The Mander Centre’s Katie Fellowes helped to judge the student’s business acumen.

“The stalls and businesses the schools set up were amazing and really professional – the standard was really high and we were really impressed,” she said. “We’re really happy to be supporting some of the area’s next generation of business stars at the Mander Centre and hope to see some of the students return as shop owners in the future.”

Ginger Nijjar, from Young Enterprise West Midlands, added: “The students really enjoyed taking part in the event and they got some great advice from all the judges. It was a great opportunity to see all of the West Midlands’ budding apprentices and the customers loved exploring a whole host of different businesses to pick up Christmas gifts.”