Debenhams Ottaway encourages young entrepreneurs

For the second year running Debenhams Ottaway has sponsored the Young Enterprise Final Awards Ceremony which took place at the Vineyard Church earlier this month.

The winning team, Vintage Hero from Loreto College, were also winners of the “Best Product or Service” award presented by Debenhams Ottaway partner and Young Enterprise Judge Luke Tucker Harrison. Vintage Hero cleverly up-cycled Loreto school blazers to make fashion accessories which the students were permitted to wear because of a “loop hole” in the Loreto School Uniform Policy. The team also made other fashion accessories, again from recycled materials.

Commenting on the success of team Vintage Hero, Luke said “I was particularly impressed with the environmental and social credentials of the product, something which is important for any business these days. As a litigator, I was also impressed with their ability to spot a “loop hole”.”

The firm also sponsored the “Best Teamwork and Communications Award” which was awarded to team Sweet  Scents from Sir John Lawes School. According to Luke, who awarded the prize, they showed “strong leadership and continued improvement”.

Commenting on the decision to support Young Enterprise for the second year running Debenhams Ottaway Chief Executive Ian Hopkins said “Young Enterprise is now an important part of the firm’s CSR commitment within the education and SME sectors. Schemes like Young Enterprise inspire new entrepreneurs which is so important for sustained economic growth in this county.”