PUBLISHED 08 November 2021
You know it's nearly Christmas when members of Year 12 form their businesses in the Tycoons Enterprise Competition. As part of the Peter Jones Foundation, the students have already submitted their business plans and gained funding. Market research and test markets have refined their products and early sales have been very promising indeed. There are 4 groups this year including an ambitious attempt at something different.
Build A Bauble
This group have produced a range of Christmas baubles, with classic Christmas themes inside the bauble. A very successful test market revealed big demand for LED-lit love hearts and mistletoe-themed baubles. This group are aiming to do a workshop in the prep school where young pupils can build their own personalised bauble with a handwritten message. All profits go to Trinity Hospice
Extravagant Engravings
Using disks of wood this group has developed a range of pyro and laser engraved decorations. Hand made designs have proved to be very popular as have charming Rudolph-themed ones using old fashioned sealing wax. A new range of ‘Happy Christmas from the Dog’ using the laser creates a lovely gift, again, this product idea only came from working a trade stand and listening to potential customers. All profits go to Brian House.
Candle Cubes
This group has done some good initial research into popular yet unusual scent combinations and have been experimenting with different designs. Candles at Christmas is always a good but competitive market, but this group has great potential. All proceeds to Alzheimer’s Association.
Just New Friends
Their business slogan is ‘Making New Old Friends’ and this is an ambitious and untried concept for AKS Tycoons. As a social enterprise, they aim to work with local charity Just Good Friends and create games afternoons for lonely and elderly residents. Much research has been done with elderly members of the staff room for parlour games ideas. Fond memories of a Beetle Drive, Bingo, Dominoes, Play Your Cards Right, and overwhelming suggestions of Name That Tune brought wistful smiles of a bygone age. To fund this, the group are aiming to hold a Games Night for parents, friends and pupils on Friday 26th November 7:30 to 9:30. More details to follow but keep this date open in your diaries.
I wish all the groups the very best of luck in the running of their chosen enterprises. They follow on a superb tradition of AKS pupils who have managed to top a leader board or win an award in this international competition every year for the past 6 years.
A brilliant part of the school calendar.
Mr McIntyre