Welsh Young Enterprise goes ahead – in virtual competition .
A £500 donation by Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE means the efforts of Wales young entrepreneurs will be recognised again this year.
Seven Welsh schools are competing for the Young Enterprise Awards 2020, despite the huge challenges posed by coronavirus.
But even before the killer virus reared its head, the annual competition was under threat from lack of funding.
Now the financial gap has been plugged by UKSE and other supporters, and the young people can showcase their impressive spirit of enterprise again this year.
Antony Bolter, Chair of the South Wales Board of Young Enterprise said: “The young people are showing determination by pushing ahead with their projects, as true entrepreneurs do.
“We are very grateful for the support from UKSE and other supporters and delighted that the efforts of the young people will be recognised,” he added.
Sharon Davies, CEO Young Enterprise, added: “Taking part in Young Enterprise’s Company Programme is all about young people developing the essential skills and attributes that will enable them to make the most of their future opportunities.
“We are extremely grateful to UKSE for their generous support to recognise those Welsh schools that have excelled over the course of this year.”
This year the presentations will be staged virtually, with the Welsh Final on May 22.
The seven schools taking part are: Monmouth School for Boys, Monmouth School for Girls, St Martins Comprehensive School Caerphilly, Cardiff High School, Archbishop McGrath Roman Catholic Comprehensive School Bridgend, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni Blackwood and Queen Elizabeth High School Carmarthen.
Martin Palmer of UKSE said: “We have been enthusiastic supporters of Young Enterprise for over 30 years and believe it is an important way of stimulating a spirit of enterprise in the future generation.
“As well as encouraging young people to think about business, it develops presentational skills and builds confidence and self-assurance. We are delighted to have helped this year’s event go ahead in these most trying of circumstances.”