Business and Economics students from Plymouth College have been putting classroom theory in to practice with help from a leading snack food firm. Plymouth-based Burts Chips, producers of hand-cooked British potato chips, tasked the Year 10 pupils with creating a business plan for the launch of a brand new fried snack range with seaweed as the main ingredient.
Inspired by a visit to the Burts' factory, the young entrepreneurs split into small teams and set to work on their seafood-themed products. Each student 'company' had to prepare a plan that covered research, marketing and sales, packaging, distribution and financial forecasts before making a short presentation to a Dragons' Den-style panel.
With the teams offering tantalising flavours such as Lemongrass Prawn and Singapore Chilli, it was Surf and Turf's seasalt and tany lemon that took the top spot. Their combination of seaweed and kale snacks won over the Burts' executives along with guest judge, Charlie Thomson, from chartered accountants Bishop Fleming.
"We all enjoyed the competition and it was great to do something different to normal lessons," said Alex Williams from Surf and Turf. "We were surprised at how many things there were to manage but we each took charge of a different business aspect and it all came together really well."
Business and Economics teacher, Aaron Summons, said: "Having the chance to take part in a real life project like this was invaluable for the students. It not only gave them experience of business planning but also introduced them to important skills such as teamwork, leadership and public speaking.
"The support of Burts Chips and Bishop Fleming has been fantastic and we are extremely grateful to them for their involvement in this project."
Leane Bramhall, Marketing Director at Burts Chips commented: "At Burts Chips we are dedicated to nurturing future generations and supporting the local community. Classroom lessons were really brought to life for the young entrepreneurs involved in this activity and in turn, through inspiring today's youth, we hope to help encourage future business development within Devon."
