A talented team of up-and-coming entrepreneurs from Amersham and Wycombe College have made it through to the last stage of a competition based around the arts of procurement and supply.

The four students, Asher Rabstein, Lewis Silver, Adam Dullop and Haider Hussain, are all studying enterprise and entrepreneurship with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy - established by Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones.

The CIPS 2015 Negotiation Challenge, now in its fourth year, aims to help young people master the art of persuasion in a business setting.

Peter Jones said: "I’m always delighted to see Peter Jones Enterprise Academy students putting their mettle to the test in the CIPS Negotiation Challenge. Every year they take part and every year they come out stronger and better-equipped to enter the world of work.

"It’s this kind of practical initiative that really helps them develop the skills needed to progress as young entrepreneurs. I’m looking forward to hearing all about the final."

Launched by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply in partnership with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, which is run by the Peter Jones Foundation, the competition has seen 16-19 year olds from all over the country vying for a place in the last round.

Having attended a negotiation workshop, the Amersham and Wycombe group then impressed throughout a series of trial scenarios designed to test and develop their negotiating skills. They are now set to attend the grand final at Heathrow Airport on Thursday night.

They will compete against five other Peter Jones Enterprise Academy teams from across the UK for the coveted top spot. These include: Dudley College, Leicester College, Oldham College, Peterborough Regional College and South Essex College.

Peter Jones Enterprise Academy tutor Jackie Campbell said: "The students were excellent in applying the theory learned in the morning session and came up with a rational explanation to their solutions.

"We were impressed by all our students in the first round - by their interest and engagement with the challenge as they learned about the strategy behind the negotiation process.

"It was a close competition and involved much debate with our mentor to choose the winning team. We are very excited to be in the final now and to be meeting up with other Academies."

Peter Jones Enterprise Academy student Lewis Silver said: "Doing the CIPS challenge for the second time was a matter of getting it right and making sure that Amersham got to the final this year.

"As a year two student, I’ve learned the importance of not rushing in to find the answers and that the importance of thinking time should not be underestimated. I can’t wait now for the final."

During the final, the enterprising students were to face a business simulation game, challenging them to work together as property developers, negotiating to ensure the most successful outcome for their hypothetical companies.4

The overall winners will receive an award on the day and will feature in Supply Management magazine. They will also be invited to attend the CIPS Annual Conference in October.