INSPIRING Isle of Wight entrepreneurs were quizzed on their latest ventures by Island business professionals.

Seven student teams from a mix of Island schools and colleges have been competing since last September to win the overall title of best company, as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

Over the course of the academic year, each student team, supported and guided by a business advisor, has devised and launched a business.

The teams took on challenges like in Dragon's Den – to win real cash investor funding from a panel of Island business leaders.

Isle of Wight County Press: Jevon Kennedy from Hursts learning more about the business ideas from the team at St Catherine’s College, Clouds of Ventnor.Jevon Kennedy from Hursts learning more about the business ideas from the team at St Catherine’s College, Clouds of Ventnor. (Image: County Press)

They also took on retail training opportunities, and a grand final at Quay Arts in Newport was the last hurdle for the teams to get over.

As well as delivering a trade stand, teams formally presented their business report to a packed out Minghella Theatre.

Isle of Wight County Press: Medina and Carisbrooke Colleges sharing a stand with their creative wax candles and mental health board game business ideas.Medina and Carisbrooke Colleges sharing a stand with their creative wax candles and mental health board game business ideas. (Image: County Press)

Awards were made for teams that delivered best on presentation, sustainability, marketing and teamwork.

Wisteria from Ryde Academy picked up the top honour as best company, along with the marketing award.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Academy team Wisteria.Ryde Academy team Wisteria. (Image: County Press)

Isle of Wight County Press: Wisteria from Ryde Academy picking up the Best Company Award from head judge, Jamie Busby, of Hose Rhodes Dickson.Wisteria from Ryde Academy picking up the Best Company Award from head judge, Jamie Busby, of Hose Rhodes Dickson. (Image: EV Express)

Seacycle from Christ The King College were recognised with the best presentation award, and Clouds of Ventnor from St Catherine’s College won the team journey award.

Truly Retro, representing the Isle of Wight College, came up with the strongest approach to sustainability. 

Isle of Wight County Press: The team from Christ The King College made jewellery from materials washed up on the beach.The team from Christ The King College made jewellery from materials washed up on the beach. (Image: County Press)

The top four Island teams will now go on to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight final in Southampton later this year.

Isle of Wight County Press: Truly Retro representing the Isle of Wight College with a recycled jeans idea.Truly Retro representing the Isle of Wight College with a recycled jeans idea. (Image: County Press)