Pictured: Nicklins partner Chris Cook

Halesowen-based chartered accountancy firm Nicklin LLP has further demonstrated its commitment to encouraging the next generation of business leaders by sponsoring a school competition modelled on the television series The Apprentice.

The competition will see teams of sixth form students at Haybridge School, in Hagley, Worcestershire, competing against each in a series of enterprise-based tasks, such as advertising and selling tickets for school events or raising money for charity. The first challenge required each team to produce a marketing video for the school's business department to show during open evenings.

However, while students do not have to face Lord Sugar in the boardroom like the contestants on the BBC programme, a team is still eliminated at the end of each task.

Nicklins, which enjoys close links with several schools in the local area, will set the final task, which will take place in the weeks leading up to the Easter holiday, as well as presenting a trophy to the winning team at the end of the competition.

Nicklins partner Chris Cook attended the competition's launch back in September to talk to students about the value of enterprise in the business world.

Commenting on the competition, Chris said: "Events such as this are an excellent way to give aspiring young entrepreneurs first-hand experience of planning and implementing a business venture, including solving any problems which might arise.

"These are skills which will serve them well when they enter the world of work. As a firm, we are delighted to be able to play a part in helping them develop these valuable skills by sponsoring this competition."

For further information, please contact Nicklins on 0121 550 9916.