Skills for Life

The Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Mrs Jacquelyne Geddes  hosted a reception at the Civic Centre on Wednesday 11 June at 4.00pm for the Young Enterprise Achiever of the Year Award Winner, Burcu Tokay. Also in attendance was this years North Cumbria Area Board Winners Nelson Thomlinson School, who established a company called Bagcycle, which manufactured long lasting carrier bags and runners up Newman School, who established a company called Unique, which designed their own range of clothing and accessories.

Burcu was the Human Resources Director of the Morton School team Yours Truly. Burcu has overcome a number of difficulties to take part, she is confined to wheelchair and until three years ago spoke no English, having originated in Turkey. She involved herself fully, showed amazing dedication and commitment, and helped the Morton team considerably. Her contribution to the achievements of the team were assessed in several essential areas including working as a team, communication, decision making and time management.

Each team elected their own board of directors, raised capital and sold products to customers. Therefore encouraging the pupils to face real business situations and work through them with the assistance of a business advisor based within the local community. As part of the exercise each team had to produce a trade stand and attempt to sell their products that they had made and sourced to the general public as well as producing a company report and undertaking a five minute presentation outlining their trading activity during the year.

Carlisle City Council Leader Cllr Mike Mitchelson said:

‘’Young Enterprise fits firmly with a Carlisle City Council’s Learning City Programme, we actively support the initiative and value the contribution the participants make to its success. Learning City is one of two corporate priorities for the Council and this means being a role model for our community and leading by example in the field of learning and development. In supporting this initiative we as a City will begin to benefit through growing our own. Burcu has worked extremely hard as a member of the Morton team and her efforts are to be thoroughly commended and she is an inspiration to us all’’.

Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Mrs Jacquelyne Geddes said:

 ‘’ this event celebrates all that Young Enterprise stands for, all of those involved have every reason to be proud of their achievements. I am delighted to see young people firmly grasping the opportunities presented to them in developing the necessary skills and business acumen, which will help Carlisle’s economy grow and develop for the future. ‘’