Heolddu Comprehensive School are celebrating the ongoing success of their Young Enterprise team ‘Hexaphone’ as the youngseters prepare to take their innovative ‘Handy-Stand’ to the Welsh Final of the 2014 Young Enterprise competition on Tuesday 17 June.
Young Enterprise gives young people the opportunity to establish and run their own company for one year, with the guidance and support of local businesses.
‘Hexaphone’ is made up of six Heolddu Year 12 pupils, Ryan Williams Griffiths, Georgia Sutcliffe, Lucy Roach, Callum Pascoe, Callum Rosser and leuan Griffiths who all play an important role in the running of their business. Between them they are responsible for the design, manufacturing, promotion and sales of their first product, the ‘Handy-Stand’. ‘Handy-Stand’ is a portable smartphone and tablet accessory that allows for hands-free use of the device.
The team have already had major success, winning multiple awards including Best Young Enterprise Company 2014 and the award for the Most Innovative Product at the Caerphilly, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent regional finals which took place at Big Pit on 9 April. They have also been invited to showcase ‘Handy-Stand’ to Welsh businesses at the Senedd and have presented their innovative idea to companies across the UK, gaining confidence and valuable business advice during the process.
Julie Hovestadt, Technology and Young Enterprise Link Teacher said: “I have seen these pupils grow into young business men and women within a short space of time. They have demonstrated excellent teamwork to produce a highly marketable product which has the potential to become a real business opportunity for them. All six pupils have emerged extremely confident throughout this whole experience and are currently looking for work experience opportunities throughout the summer holidays.”
Cllr. Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning said: “I’m thrilled that Heolddu Comprehensive School have achieved so much success with their Young Enterprise project, beating off strong competition to gain widespread recognition for their product. I wish them all the best in the upcoming Welsh National Final, and in their future ventures.”
To find out more about ‘Hexaphone’ and see ‘Handy-Stand’ in action, visit www.youtube.com/caerphillycbctv
