XL Displays was invited by The Skills Service to support a business challenge event at Ken Stimpson Community School in Peterborough.
Three members of our team attended the event on 13 January and found it to be a positive and enjoyable experience. They acted as the banker and buyers during the business challenge.
The Challenge
The Duck Enterprise Challenge involved a group of around 70 students from Year 8 (aged 12-13) and took place over five virtual days.
The students had to create a dynamic business which could turn over a profit from selling origami ducks. To win the challenge they had to produce as many origami ducks as they could and sell them for as much money as possible.
Within each team there needed to be a managing director to oversee the business; an accountant to look after the finances; a buyer to buy the materials needed to make the product; production to produce the ducks; and quality control to ensure all ducks produced were of the highest quality. Finally the sales executive had to pitch their ducks to us – the buyers!
During the challenge there was a shop where each team had to buy their supplies and a bank where they had to pay their daily rent fees and wages into. The bank also handed out bonuses for exceptional skills and creativity as well as fines for rule breaking.
The highest price the buyers could pay was £50 per duck, but we were able to pay a lower amount if the quality wasn’t up to scratch. This encouraged some great negotiating skills from the students and we saw some real personalities shine through.
The Results
Throughout the course of the morning we saw some talented and creative individuals that have a keen eye for business.
It was great for us as a local business to be able to support The Skills Service and work alongside the students and teachers at Ken Stimpson School.
The idea of the challenge is to encourage real life business skills and help students develop their teamwork, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
It was encouraging to see such a positive and enthusiastic group of young people that will be Peterborough’s next generation of business entrepreneurs.
We look forward to continuing to support local schools and work alongside The Skills Service.
At XL Displays we are experts in exhibition stands and portable display equipment. For more information please contact us or call our sales team on 01733 511030.
