YOUNGSTERS from the King's School, in Worcester, are celebrating a fairytale success this morning.

The pupils' company, TellTales, was last night crowned Company of the Year at the Young Enterprise Strategic Board Final, held at the King's School, Worcester.

The youngsters won the accolade for their CD of children's stories in a very tight final between eight companies, run by high-school pupils from throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

The Young Enterprise scheme teaches students about business through the running of their own companies, including raising capital, producing and selling a product, and re-investing funds with a view to making a profit.

At last night's Strategic Board Final, more than 200 parents and business supporters of the scheme turned out to watch the eight finalists strut their stuff on stage and try and convince the judges why they should take the title.

The companies also had to impress judges with a trade stand, inspected prior to the presentations, and submit a company report detailing the company's financial activities and results, as well as their aims and objectives.

A key part of the project, which sees the companies run exactly like normal companies for one year, is the problems encountered and overcome, and the lessons learned.

Advice

In a very lively presentation, TellTales explained to the audience how they had started out making Christmas bags, but hit on the idea for a CD containing children's stories.

They sought advice from primary school teachers and even got primary aged children to help with the writing of the stories, which were narrated by the company's executives.

A polished and professional-looking CD cover insured the product sold well.

Good management of the company itself, and the company's finances in particular, earned the company a second accolade, the Corporate Governance Award.

Runner-up Company of the Year went to Spectrum 02, from Haybridge High School, Hagley, which made and sold a range of decorative candles.

In a comical presentation including slapstick humour, sound effects and lots of props, the pupils explained how initially the company had experienced a lot of in-fighting and arguments.

But they had quickly learnt that better communication among Spectrum 02 executives led to a significant increase in productivity.

The fourth award of the evening, Best Presentation, went to Alumini, from the Alice Ottley School, Worcester, who make earring holders out of recycled CDs.