A week in Swansea Market

What a week with my Business Enterprise students! As a business person I realise text book does not make you an Entrepreneur. Passion and a good product is firs,t then comes the hard work. I have spent the last 4 weeks with a great bunch of guys who want to succeed in the business world.
Object of the task - a sort of mini Apprentice . They had a budget to spend although they could not make a loss.
Their initial ideas concerned me. They wanted to sell high class hampers in Swansea market. I tried to open their minds to this type of selling to see if their product would sell to market buyers. After a good talk about what market buyers really want my students came up with great ideas. I encouraged them to recognise it's not what they want but what their potential customers are looking for. I made suggestions especially as it is the Christmas season - candy bouquets, home made wreaths and non-alcoholic mulled wine.
We went shopping and did our costings to the tee( due to me ). I will not waste a penny. We made our wine ( no alcohol - although I was tempted to sneak a cheeky red in there )
My students created wrapped  candy fountains and made them look delicious. Next breath - let's price it - what would the public pay. I had responses that amazed me to the point that I thought "are you  going to be the next Alan Sugar?" Well, ok, they are young and learning. I remember being there but what I had was determination and guts, I hope they do too because they are a fab and lovely bunch of guys.
My motivated students sold the lot and made a profit a day early...... so proud of my Enterprise Academy.
On reflection, my students said they had a better understanding of the real business world and how what I am teaching in the classroom can be applied to their own personal business idea.

Here's my team:
Plus Neil my mentor dressed as Santa