Empty jam jars could have the sweet taste of business success for pupils at All Hallows RC High School in Salford.
The young entrepreneurs are converting them into Jars of Hope to sell to family and friends as part of a Dragons’ Den project run by the Airport Community Network at Manchester Airport.
The challenge for 18 schools from the Manchester area is to design, manufacture and market an ideal Christmas gift for under a fiver.
All Hallows is hoping to raise £1,000 for St Ann’s Hospice, which has a site at nearby Little Hulton, from sales. It is the third time the school has entered the competition, having already donated £400 and then £700 for the charity.
Lisa Teasdale, Business and Enterprise Co-ordinator at the school, said: “We held a Dragons’ Den-style competition in school to select our team and the lucky ones chosen are really enthusiastic about the challenge.
“Each jar has a message inside with different requests like talking to a neighbour, undertaking a task for parents or having a treat such as a family film night. The jars can then be used as tea lights.
“As well as developing key business skills, the pupils learn about working within a team and they’re raising money for St Ann’s Hospice which is a great cause.”
The Year 9 team of Anna Shaji, Meishan Rong, Winnie Wang, Jack Warburton, Nathan Barnes, and Jack Gormley, have already secured £100 investment after a successful pitch to the Dragons, a panel of senior managers linked to the airport.
Schools report their results to the Dragons at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport, on December 14. The team with the most profit are the winners and will be collected from school in a stretch limousine for a lunch and a snow park party at the Chill Factore. Other prizes will recognise skills in presentation and innovation.
