In an event similar to TV’s Dragon’s Den without the grilling, organised in conjunction with the Somer Valley Rotary Club, pupils studying BTEC business studies at Somervale School formed into six teams to compete at running businesses for three cash prizes valued up to £100.
The six teams each presented their case, outlining what they had chosen to
produce, market and sell, then declare the amount of profit they had made and what they would do differently if they repeated the exercise. They were able to sell their wares at the Midsomer Norton Christmas Market and of course, at the school. In an enterprising move, some managed to sell excess stock via Facebook.
Although not producing the highest profit, the competition was won by Mollie Chivers. Mollie had gone it alone and had come up with the original idea of selling reindeer food made from oats and glitter, beautifully packaged, selling for £1 per bag. She produced an overall profit of £27 with minimal outlay. The judges were swayed by her originality and immaculate presentation.
In second place, winning £75, Bath Bombs made the highest profit of £38, having sold all their stock, and in third place, Cone Sweets took the adventurous step of leaving their stall and mingling with the shoppers attending the Christmas Fete to sell their confectionery wares, producing a profit of £22.
The evening was enjoyed by the participants, parents and members of Somer Valley
Rotary, who performed the role of judging, but special thanks are due to the teachers from Somervale School who made it happen and to Phil Edmonds, from the Rotary Club, for organising the competition.