Young entrepreneurs across Mansfield and Ashfield were celebrated at the fourth Mansfield Young Enterprise event at the John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Sookholme.

The brainchild of local businessman Malcolm Hall, of Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies, the event was organised by the Mansfield Area Partnership and Mansfield 2020.

Berni Dickinson, of the partnership, said: “This is all about building connections between young people and businesses to help equip them with the skills they need in the future labour market.”

The challenge saw students create their own business from scratch and then sell their products to the public on Mansfield Market.

Their achievements were celebrated at the awards evening, where teams were named winners in several categories.

The overall winner was Apollo, from Kirkby College, who also won the most entrepreneurial spirit section.

The competition included students from Forest Town Primary, who received recognition after taking part in the Garibaldi Primary Enterprise Competition.

Mr Hall, pictured with the overall winning Apollo team from Kirkby College, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to realise their potential and get thinking about business.

“Not all youngsters will go on to work for themselves, but it’s important for them to know that they’ve all got the right to aspire.”

Ian Greenaway, employability champion for the D2N2 Skills and Employment Commission, attended and said: “Mansfield has always had a good reputation for engaging businesses and schools. This is just another example of the great work they do.”

Winners were: Best Product — Tub Tea, Samworth Church Academy. Best Team — Budding Beech, Beech Academy. Most Community-Related Product — Made in Mansfield, Brunts Academy.
Best Market Stall — Naturally Gorgeous, Ashfield School. Most Profitable Product — Made In Mansfield, Brunts Academy. Best Radio Advert — Made In Mansfield, Brunts Academy.
Most Entrepreneurial Spirit — Apollo, Kirkby College. Overall Winner — Apollo, Kirkby College.