Impressive returns

The Young Enterprise team have just been able to give a 25% dividend to its shareholders. Not bad for a group of 9 business novices working with the support of volunteer business advisers from Solid State Logic, assisted by Roni Hameiri and cajoled a little by Liz Reece.

Young Enterprise is a charity that supports students in learning about business through actually running a real business. It is up to students what they make or sell, how they do it and what they charge. They have volunteer business advisers who are not there to run the process but will guide as necessary.

This year's main focus has been on the Time Wizard laminated weekly organisers. Despite being a simple product, the process was a very good exercise in business planning, designing, buying materials for, making and selling - the students all reported having learned a great deal. The team did well at Cowley Trade Fair in January as well as selling their products to family, staff and friends. Their sales have enabled them to pay a 25% dividend to share holders... pretty reasonable in the current climate!