Pictured above: (l-r) Steven Jones, Suzanne Blundell
(Ballard Dale Syree Watson) and Worcester Warriors' coach, Richard
Hill
Schools from all over Herefordshire and Worcestershire took part
in heats of the biggest ever national Business Games held at
Sixways Stadium recently.
The winning Worcestershire schools were Worcester College of
Technology, Pershore High School and Bromsgrove School.
Herefordshire students from John Kyrle High School in Ross-on-Wye
were also included in the top four tier of winners.
The day's programme was based on setting a number of realistic
business challenges to determine how well the students resolved
them by coming up with innovative solutions. Participating students
however, were not completely left to their own devices, as they
were supported by business mentors representing accountancy
professionals from the two counties.
Business mentors were provided by ICAEW members including
Ballard Dale Syree Watson, Ormerod Rutter and Rabjohns.
Other business partners supporting the event were Herefordshire
and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Barclays Bank PLC, Hays
Recruitment and MFG Solicitors.
Celia Adams, who is the Chair of the Worcestershire Group of
Chartered Accountants, organised the event, to help encourage local
businesses to engage with schools. The Business Games were devised
to enable students to showcase their ability to 'think on their
feet' which is important in the UK's highly competitive business
environment.
She said; "Students worked hard to solve real life problems,
alongside people from our professions. It was nothing short
of inspiring.
"The Business Game at Sixways was an unforgettable day, with our
business and education communities pulling together as one. Lives
have been changed for the good."
Steven Jones, from Ballard Dale Syree Watson, presided over the
games as Celia's assistant manager, he thoroughly enjoyed the
event and was impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated
by the students. He was also joined by his colleague Tej Baden who
acted as a business mentor.
Mr Jones said: "It is such as competitive job market, that
employers not only want to recruit the best and brightest young
talent in the academic sense, they also want something a bit extra.
Qualities such as the ability to solve problems by applying
innovative solutions and demonstrating entrepreneurial skills, make
potential job candidates far more employable."