PUBLISHED 17 December 2020
As another trading window draws to a close AKS students have once again excelled. The prized trading opportunities of the Ladies Luncheon Club Christmas 'do' and the incredibly lucrative PTA Christmas Fayre were both sadly cancelled. The captive audience at parents evening is now remote and done on Microsoft Teams, the chance to set a stall up at local craft sales no longer exists and even setting a stall up in school outside their 'bubble' is deemed as not covid secure. So, one can imagine how tough it has been to set up and run a small business. I would say the way the groups have adapted to the trading conditions have been superb. QR codes that link directly to order forms, remote payments, video sales pitches and outdoor socially distanced sales at AKS prep school have all generated revenue. Here is a brief end-of-term report on each group.
Sign of the Times - laser etched signs and laser cut decorations with great help, once again from AKS DT dept, led by Myles this group would have made a lot of sales at the traditional Tycoons outlets.
Retro Records - carrying on the tradition of up-cycling this group had very low costs and adapted their painted record designs throughout the trading window - credit must go to this group in making a fantastic 488% return on the investment from the Peter Jones Foundation
Thats a Wrap - an incredibly well organised group who worked superbly as a team. QR codes for online ordering, and a charming video enabled them to reach as many potential customers as they could. This group set up an outside stall at the prep school at 7:45 am one morning when the weather was fresh to say the least, I am sure their hampers will be warmly received. Currently 4th in their age group, I hope they have gained a lot from their experiences.
Mission Masks have not suffered from the lack of social events to make sales - they simply wouldn't have existed if it wasn't for the pandemic. Direct sales of masks to other business have been very impressive and have reflected a very mature understanding of how businesses work. When sales were low of AKS branded masks the group developed a comical and very effective video alongside a buy one and enter a generous prize draw scheme - naturally, all prizes have been donated. Finally, working with the school shop to boost sales provided a late boost. The ability to adapt and think on their feet means they are currently second place on the national leader board.
Is Tycoons just about breaking even and making a profit? personally, I would put this well down the list of priorities. The thrill of their first direct sale is great to see but, working as a team under pressure, developing your product to suit the market and being creative are the sort of skills future employers' value. The ability to adapt, problem solve, take leadership of certain situations, and still make a success of your business are rare skills for a 16-year-old student to master, and this might lead myself to conclude that this has been the most useful Tycoons year to date. Well done to every team.
Graeme McIntyre
Head of Business Education