Young green and full of enterprising ideas

THEY are on a mission... and the environmentally-friendly Young Enterprise team from the Dover Grammar School for Boys are certainly making their mark.

After winning the Dover district area young enterprise competition, the Green Footprint Group have now taken the county title and are on their way to the regional finals.

GFG’s environmental campaigners were crowned winning company at the Young Enterprise County Final held at the University of Kent, Canterbury, also winning awards for best presentation and most environ-mentally-aware company.

The boys will now go on to represent the county at the south east regional final.

Richard Christian, chairman of the Young Enterprise Dover Area Board, said: “This is a magnificent achievement and goes to show that not only is Young Enterprise once more alive and well in Dover, but more importantly it also demonstrates that Dover has the young business talent to lead the district into a brighter future.

“With the right encouragement and a commitment between education and business to foster the self-belief and motivation that clearly exists among our young people, we can create inspiring business leaders, which will be vital to the prosperity of our district.

“GFG have shown great awareness of the important environmental issues that face us all and how business can play a key part in addressing them.”

GFG is only the second company from Dover district to go on to win at the county final.

Bob Goldfield, chief executive of Dover Harbour Board said: “This is the first year in which Dover Harbour Board has been the major supporting business for Young Enterprise in the Dover district, including a team of business advisers across a range of business disciplines.

“This is a tremendous boost to our continuing commitment to the YE Company Programme.”

The regional final takes place on Wednesday, June 18, in Horsham.
MAKING A MARK

THE Green Footprint Group has organised a series of eco events for primary schools, including a day conference attended by the MP Gwyn Prosser.

The students have also produced a durable and reusable shopping bag to replace plastic carrier bags, with the aim of making Dover a plastic bag free town.

As part of their campaign, sixth former Jack Williams launched an on-line petition on the official 10 Downing Street website to call on the Government for more money and support for schools who want to "get green" and recycle.

"Direct funds and support is very limited," said Jack. "Schools aren't recycling enough, yet schools are among the major wasters and contributors to landfills."