This year, Limavady Grammar pupils proudly ran two successful Young Enterprise companies, showcasing their products at St George’s Market and the Foyleside Trade Fair. Twenty pupils took part with one group using recycled denim items of clothing and turning them into stylish, recycled bags and scrunchies, while the second group made artistic designs of local landmarks such as Mussenden Temple and printed them on recycled card paper. These were sold alongside recycled frames and crayons.
All students demonstrated remarkable initiative, teamwork, and innovation throughout the programme, managing everything from product development and marketing to finance and sales. At both events, they engaged confidently with customers, pitched their business ideas to judges, and experienced real world trading environments.
Through their participation, pupils developed a wide range of transferable skills, including communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, time management, and resilience. They also gained hands-on experience with entrepreneurship and learned the importance of adaptability in a competitive business environment. Working under pressure to meet deadlines and dealing with live customer feedback, gave them a realistic insight into the challenges and rewards of running a business.
These experiences will be invaluable in their future careers, regardless of the sector they choose to enter. Employers highly value the entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, initiative, and collaboration which the pupils have demonstrated in abundance. The confidence and practical knowledge gained from the Young Enterprise programme will give them a competitive edge in interviews, further education, and employment and will contribute to laying a strong foundation for their future success.