Schools from across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire were represented at the semi-final of Cranfield School of Management’s Schools Business Challenge on 8 September.
Sixth-formers from Harlington, Sharnbrook, Walton High, Shenley Brook End, Biddenham, Hazeley and Lord Grey schools were tasked with submitting a business plan and forecast for a business simulation, competing for a place in the final and a prize of £1,500.
The students were supported by non-executive director – roles taken on by local business managers from Santander and current students from Cranfield’s MBA programme.
Mohammed Ali from Santander gave the sixth-formers a great overview of the role of banks and encouraged them to pursue their goals without fear of being rejected by lenders.
Run by Cranfield’s Centre for Customised Executive Development (CCED), the Schools Business Challenge is in its twentieth year. Stepping into the shoes of a business leader encouraged students to develop and practice essential and transferrable skills. These included strong team involvement, strategic direction, forecasting, resilience and acting sustainably.
The hard-fought semi-final was finally won by Lord Grey and Harlington Upper School who go through to the finals at Cranfield School of Management in December.
Karen Valverde, Business Simulations Director, commented: “It was great to welcome back talented students from schools across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The teams, although under very tight time pressures, managed terrifically well to keep their composure, keep on track and show real business potential. We can be encouraged that our futures are in good hands.
“The challenge is an ideal way for students to experience working in a business with first hand guidance from mentors from the corporate world.”
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