by Nicola Forman

Students became business owners for the day when the Sittingbourne Community College held a Business and Enterprise Day.

In conjunction with Kent Works, students were put into groups and asked to create a pitch for a catering company Dragons’ Den style, which would be serving food for 100 delegates at the 2012 Olympic.

And if that wasn’t daunting enough, their budget was a mere £1,800 and successful tenders would go on to present to a room of more than 200.

Twelve local business partners attended the day including Bryan Kemsley, McCabe Ford Williams, Graham Hukins, Shepherd Neame and Eileen Martin and Amicus Group who, along with head teacher Alan Barham, would later become the 'dragons’ during the finale.

Alan Barham, head teacher at the college said: “Although it is an exciting task it is a very challenging one.

Students have to think creatively in order to make their 'company’ different from their rivals and logically when handling budgets and menus.

They have to work to tight deadlines under controlled time and cost limits.

It is a great opportunity for students to gain business skills and build upon teamwork and existing rapports. Not to mention the pitches which give them tremendous confidence boosts and presentation skills.”

Out of the nine 'companies’ that originally pitched, four went on to present to over 200 people, including delegates, guests, staff and fellow students.

After deliberation from the 'dragons’ the winners were announced as Bella Bella (Kavan Marchant, Amy Hills, Jade Hazelton and Hayley Elliott) for their excellent presentation, professional attitude and varied Italian themed menu.
Members of Bella Bella took away the main prize of one week work placements at Amicus Horizon, Swale Borough Council and Shepherd Neame.