STUDENTS are being encouraged to become entrepreneurs as part of their studies.

Year 10 pupils from Thirsk School and Sixth Form College have been challenged to set up a business as part of their enterprise education studies.

They were split into teams of six given the chance to bid for £100 start-up costs to help them set up a social enterprise business that would benefit, or offer a service to, the local community.

Each team ran a skills assessment and allocated roles from project manager to sales manager. Twelve of the groups have been chosen to present their business plans and demonstrate what they have learned to a panel of expert judges on December 12.

The businesses include an events company; a battle of the bands event; an electronic waste business; an online recycled jewellery business; a charity to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis and a mobile Christmas card and gift business targeting those who are unable to get out to the shops.

As part of the day Judy Bell, of Thirsk-based Shepherds Purse Cheeses, gave a talk about her experience of setting up her business, which now makes £1m in profits.

There was also an interactive workshop hosted by Middlesbrough Football Club’s Enterprise Academy, which gave advice on marketing, advertising, branding and elements needed to launch a business.

Ms Bell said: "When I was invited to give a talk on my business experiences at the local Thirsk School, I was only too delighted to take part. It is great to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in young people and I look forward to hearing the presentations of the short listed businesses and hope that I see a future success story."