Teesside University Business School and Honorary Graduate Steve Cochrane, Managing Director of Psyche, were behind the competition for further education students in an area from Teesside to Wearside.
As part of the competition, the students worked in teams to devise a Christmas marketing campaign for Psyche. The teams were mentored by students from the University’s BA (Hons) Marketing degree.
Taking part were teams from Redcar & Cleveland College, Eston Park School, Hartlepool Sixth Form College and City of Sunderland College.
The winning entry was by Scott Williams, 17, of Normanby, the sole member of the Eston Park team.
He said: ‘It was a really prestigious competition to be involved in and hopefully will enhance my chances of doing a business management degree.
‘My campaign looked at ways which Psyche can diversify its market and I’ve already approached Middlesbrough Council and other organisations about the possibility of a town centre catwalk show. I also came up with the idea of an advent calendar focusing on 12 days of discount, running up to Christmas.’
Hartlepool Sixth Form College team member Alex Neesam, 17, said: ‘It’s been a great opportunity to get involved with the University’s Business School and Psyche. I’ve really enjoyed visiting the University campus, there’s a really positive atmosphere. I’ve already looked at marketing management courses at Teesside.’
Aiming to inspire students The aim of the competition is to encourage further education students to develop their skills in enterprise and business, leadership and teamwork, communication and presentation, negotiation and creativity.
Noel Dennis, Principal Lecturer in Marketing, said: ‘The competition inspires the students, while showcasing the region’s business talent. It also helps to nurture new business talent, which is essential to the regional and national economies.’
Steve, whose business Psyche has earned numerous retail awards, added: ‘This region has a low start-up rate for businesses and I’m keen to get involved in anything which could encourage more young people to get involved in business.’
The competition final was held at Psyche, where the teams pitched their ideas to a judging panel comprising Teesside University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Professor Eileen Martin, Teesside University Business School Dean Alastair Thomson, Steve Cochrane and Evening Gazette Business Editor Mike Hughes.
A prize of £1,000 was on offer for the winner, with half going to the winner and half to their college. The Hartlepool team won £500 as runner-up, with a special commendation going to the Sunderland team.