Students from Amersham & Wycombe College’s Community Education department have scooped two awards at a recent Young Enterprise Trade Fair held at Wycombe Town Hall.

The students earned the Marlow Rotary Club prize for outstanding involvement and commitment to the Young Enterprise UK, and a Recycling Award. This is the sixth year running that the College has won awards in the Young Enterprise scheme.

The Trade Fair, which took place on Wednesday 11 March, saw stiff competition from many other local, mainstream schools and Colleges, but the Amersham & Wycombe College students clearly impressed the judges and received a £120 prize for showing an outstanding level of involvement and commitment.

The students set up their company – PackItIn - in 2008; electing a board of directors, raising share capital and producing and promoting their products.

Students worked hard to grow the company selling handmade bags and boxes within the College. They operated a retail outlet at the Amersham campus on Tuesdays and organised Christmas and Easter coffee mornings at the Chesham campus. They have made almost £700 by sale of products and iPod raffles.

Gill Brownell, course leader and link tutor, has been involved with the Young Enterprise scheme for a number of years. She commented: “It has been exasperating and exhilarating in equal measures, but I am glad to have led the team. I have seen great changes in student confidence and in their ability to meet challenges. They have developed teamwork, efficiency and organisational skills.”

Gill concluded: “The greatest benefit, however, is the experience they have gained from participating in the Trade Fair with other mainstream Young Enterprise Companies.”