Green Footprint Group cottons on to a great idea

Report by Terry Sutton

Winners: The Green Footprint Group triumphed on the night.

ECO-WARRIORS from the sixth form of Dover Grammar School for Boys virtually swept the board with successes at Dover district’s Young Enterprise finals.

Their company Green Footprint Group received the shield and trophy for the best overall company along with a cheque for £500; the best written report and the best presentation made to a packed audience at the finals at The Ark on Wednesday night last week.

The only other major award, for the best trade stand, went to a team from Dover Grammar School for Girls who set up a company called Passion.

They provided a variety of products and services but admitted “difficulty in making a profit”.

The winning Green Footprint Group, which also included one girl Katy Tipping, is forecasting a profit of more than £1,000 (after paying VAT and Corporation Tax) on the sale of 843 reusable cotton carrier bags and other eco-trading including the staging of conferences.

“We believe we have saved an estimated 42,150 plastic bags going into landfill sites by the sale of our reusable carrier bags,” company managing director Jack Williams told the judges.

He and his team are now considering expanding into a fully-fledged limited company.

Young Enterprise in the Dover district appeared to be in its death throes until this year when Dover Harbour Board became the major sponsors of the scheme and helped to bridge the gap between schools and business.

The port authority not only provided sponsorship but also a team of business advisers to help the seven companies from five secondary schools in Dover, Deal and Sandwich.

Those schools included: Sir Roger Manwood’s School at Sandwich; Castle Community College in Deal; Dover College and the two Dover grammar schools.

Bob Goldfield, chief executive of Dover Harbour Board, said: “I have been greatly impressed and encouraged by the achievements of every participating company. Dover Harbour Board is absolutely committed to continuing to provide the necessary funding and staff input for every school that wishes to take part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

“This has been the first year in which DHB has been leading the YE activities in the Dover district and we have got off to a great start on which I hope we can build and grow in the years to come.

“I encourage as many schools as possible to participate in this unique and invaluable experience.”

Master of ceremonies at the awards evening was Richard Christian of Dover Harbour Board and chairman of Dover Area Board of Young Enterprise.

The Green Footprint Group will compete against six teams at the County Finals tonight (Thursday) at Kent and Canterbury University from 5pm.

High achievers

Awards also went to the best achiever in each of the competing companies.

Winners were: Ore Bajamo at 1337; Kirsty Bailey at One-One; Megan Thompson at Passion; Jamie Bray for Tempo; Jethro Thompson for Green Footprint Group, and Cherie West for Utopia.

All six received a cheque for £25.
 

The judges:

Ande Case of the Young Enterprise Dover Area Board. Tim Waggott of Dover Harbour Board.

Dorothy Thom of East Kent Enterprise Gateway.

Teams

Applies 2 U, Castle Community College, Deal.

Utopia, Dover College.

Tempo, Sir Roger Manwood’s, Sandwich.

1337, Sir Roger Manwood’s, Sandwich.

One-One, Sir Roger Manwood’s, Sandwich.

The Green Footprint Group, Dover Grammar School for Boys.

Passion, Dover Grammar School for Girls.