Throughout the current academic year, Delcam has supported a group of students from Small Heath School close to its Birmingham headquarters as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme.  Young Enterprise is the UK's leading enterprise-education charity, connecting young people with business and the world of work, inspiring them to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

Under the charity's flagship initiative, students set up and run a real firm for a year.  This includes everything from initially raising capital, designing and making a product or service and selling directly to customers at specially organised trade fairs, all under the guidance of a business volunteer.  Michael Stones, who joined Delcam as a Product Marketeer following his recent graduation, has supported seven sixth-form students from the school in setting up their business, Cinda Lillies.

Cinda Lillies manufacturers hand-crafted luxury, scented candles.  The company's champion seller is its cupcake candle, with other products including rose, heart-shaped and daisy candles.

"Working with the local students is another great experience presented by Delcam's graduate programme," said Michael Stones. "It helps to develop teamwork skills and has given me experience in managing staff.  The commitment and enthusiasm of the students has been fantastic."

In addition to providing a business mentor, Delcam has supported the school by hosting presentation practice events where the students presented to company managers ahead of their national and regional finals.  This foundation resulted in recognition with several awards, including the 'Green Company' award at the national Deutsche Bank Young Enterprise Competition and the Price Waterhouse Coopers Young Enterprise 'Best Presentation' award in the Birmingham region.

"Constant innovation is essential for the UK economy and Delcam has already been recognised in this field with three Queens Awards for Innovation," said Michael Stones.  "The Young Enterprise Programme empowers ambitious school students with the business acumen and team working skills they need to prosper in a competitive job market.  It has been an honour to work with such proactive, driven students.  I would strongly encourage other graduates to use this opportunity to gain experience in managing others."

Cinda Lillies has blossomed in Birmingham and progresses later this month to the regional round of the Price Waterhouse Coopers Young Enterprise Competition where they will compete in a 'Strategic Final' for a place in June's Young Enterprise Competition National Final.  Delcam will continue to support their development with further workshops in preparation for the event.

For details of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, please go to http://www.young-enterprise.org.uk.

08 May 2013

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