G F Tomlinson get enterprising with Birmingham school

Volunteers from Birmingham-based construction company GF Tomlinson recently joined the judging panel at Birches Green Infant School, to find the winner of the school's inaugural Enterprise Challenge.

Children as young as four wooed the judges with their entrepreneurial abilities. Each class was challenged to turn a profit in the most effective way, having to demonstrate their organisational abilities as well as their sales skills. Their `companies' sold products to school friends and parents, ranging from milkshakes and cakes to toys and keyrings

The overall winners were Class 3 (aged 5 and 6, pictured above) whose company `The Biscuit Barrel' not only raised over £80,but also had a  dossier complete with business plan, market research, advertising and a full understanding of profit and loss.

Pam Rayment and Lawrie Newton from G F Tomlinson said, `We were astounded by the confidence and ability of the children as they were all so young. The presentations were delivered with enthusiasm and total professionalism. The event was a wonderful insight into the business leaders of the future.'

The event was inspired by another volunteer and supporter of the school, Michael McLean  and Louise Harvey, the school's Assistant Head Teacher. GF Tomlinson's support was brokered by Jayne Magee, Operations Director of Business in the Community who joined Michael, Pam and Lawrie on the judging panel.

The event was so successful, it is hoped to repeat it again next year.

More information

Contact Jayne Magee , Operations Director, Business in the Community on 0121 451 2227.