A DEVICE which uses pedal power to charge a mobile phone and an innovative reading scheme for young children were the winning ideas in a schools' enterprise competition.
The victorious teams from area heats held across Essex in the contest organised by Young Enterprise UK, gathered in Chelmsford to demonstrate to judges their ideas for businesses which they have been running in their spare time since last September.
The one that most impressed was Endeavour from Colchester Royal Grammar School who created a phone charger connected to a bicycle which transfers energy from the pedal action into electricity.
The runners-up were a company from King Edward VI Grammar School, in Chelmsford, called Sentiens Education, who devised a reading scheme for use in primary schools, using bookmarks, certificates and an online review system to encourage children to read more and improve their ability.
The team also won the best company report category.
Their teacher, Manna Singh, head of business studies and economics, said the company had a lot of positive feedback from primary schools to whom they showed the product.
She said: "The interest clearly indicated that there is scope for them in the real business world. Sentiens have been so motivated and determined to do well right from the start of the Young Enterprise programme this year. They have truly enjoyed their business experience and hopefully will take it further.
"The competition gives them a platform to present themselves to eminent people in the business world and develop networking skills. I can guarantee that this valuable experience will keep them one step ahead of many others in the future."
Both teams now go on to represent Essex at the Regional Finals at Queens College, Cambridge on June, 24, 2013.
The winners of this heat will go forward to the national finals in London in July.
Also competing in the Essex final held at Anglia Ruskin University, were teams from Westcliff, Colchester, Harlow and Benfleet, alongside "Infinitas" from Chelmsford County High School for Girls, who sold personalised mugs and clocks that have been laser-cut from old vinyl records into different designs.
Angela Phillips, Essex Young Enterprise manager, said: "Young Enterprise is delighted to be able to support the creativity and enthusiasm of these students."
