Preston students have business minds

STUDENTS at PrestonSchool in Yeovil have been putting their business, creative and entrepreneurial skills to the test as part of an enterprise course in a quest to help a local organisation re-design its office space.

Following a tour of Yarlington’s offices in Armoury Road, Yeovil, where the company’s property management section is based, the students were briefed by head of property maintenance Richard Prewer on their task – to make the office space a more efficient, effective and appealing work environment.

Students were given one month to put together their proposals before returning to the boardroom at Yarlington Housing Group’s head office to present their ideas and face a panel of Yarlington judges in a situation not dissimilar to that faced by those on Lord Sugar’s TV show The Apprentice.

Team Platinum scooped the £300 prize which will be spent on a business element for PrestonSchool.

Team member Amber Vigar said: ‘’Taking part is this project has helped develop my confidence in delivering ideas and presenting to a panel of business professionals. The feedback we got was really useful.’’

‘’I enjoyed using my initiative on this task and have learnt a number of new skills that I will be able to use in the future.’ added team member Anastasia White.

Preston’s assistant head of school for business and enterprise, Jessica Gray, said: ‘’This is a fantastic opportunity for students to work with Yarlington on a real business problem.

‘’Not only are the students helping to solve an issue for the Company but they are also developing their own enterprise skills and gaining the experience of presenting their work to a business audience.’’

PHOTO: Yarlington judges Phyllida Culpin, Richard Prewer (centre) and Richie Horton with Team Platinum judges Amber Vigar and Anastasia White.

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