Future Business Magnates
Two-horse race develops as competition reaches half-way point
THE race to be crowned the entrepreneurs of tomorrow appears to be turning into a two-horse race as the competition reached the half-way point.
With three of the six challenges completed, pupils from Framwellgate School remain runaway leaders of the Future Business Magnates 2007-08 competition.
The contest teams up schools from Durham City and Chester-le-Street areas with mentors from the world of business over nine-months of intense competition to put their ideas to the test.
After playing their joker on the third challenge on the business location, the Durham Federation team have moved up into second place - and the two teams at the top are now 100 points ahead of their nearest rivals, although the teams below are yet to play their jokers.
The Federation team is made up of former rivals, Durham Community Business College and winners of the inaugural competition Fyndoune Community Business College,
Lynda Dixon, from the Durham Federation, took part in last year's competition as part of the Fyndoune team.
She said: "The level of enthusiasm from all concerned never ceases to amaze me and when you see what these 12 and 13 year olds can achieve - it is stunning.
"We are having a great time and really the value the skills and competencies that young people gain from being part of Future Business Magnates."
The team is mentored by the Indoor Markets Company, taking part in the competition for the first time.
Colin Wilkes, from the Markets Company, said: "I knew from previous reports that the teams really worked hard but I must say I have been knocked out by the commitment of the whole structure around the team.
"To see 12 year olds getting on the phone to businesses and asking about their company really does impress.
"They all bring their own individual style to the team but all work very well to get the project moving on every time we meet."
The Federation team is keeping its business project top secret and would only say they were making soap from a local source.
All teams are now moving on to their next challenge - Advertise and Flog it - whiich should be complete by the end of April.
Future Business Magnates is sponsored by The Northern Echo, City of Durham Council, Lafarge and Yorkshire Bank.
Future Business Magnates 2007-08
League Table After Challenge Three
Framwellgate School - 481*
Durham Federation - 455*
Durham Johnston - 326
Belmont School Community Arts - 321
Roseberry Sports and Community College - 311
Hermitage School - 302
Park View Community School - 295
Durham High School - 250
St Leonard's RC School - 244
* Joker has been played
5:30pm Thursday 27th March 2008
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