Last Tuesday saw the return of the Headmaster's Business Awards, a coveted event which gives our Year 12 Business Studies pupils the opportunity to pitch their profitable ideas to a panel of judges, including the Headmaster.
As Tuesday afternoon rolled on, the Lecture Theatre began to fill up with Year 12 Pupils and members of College Staff. The first group to present was made up of Ben Stacey, Matt Dalrymple, Robbie Cartwright and Rufus Stone. Their idea was to organise a Park’n’Boat service for the five days of the Henley Regatta. The idea was that people would come and park their cars at Shiplake and use one of three modes of transport to the site of the Regatta. Customers could either make use of the luxury boat service, including champagne and canapés, a bus option or the train. This idea was brilliantly supported by the pupils’ ability to present, respond and think on their feet, as the judges asked some very challenging questions.
The second group, made up of Sam Hargreaves, Callum Theodorou, Darius Braun and Matty Fitzgerald, presented the idea of a Family Fun Day at Shiplake College. This would include various activities around the site, as well as various catering options and stalls for local businesses. While the judges were not impressed by the seemingly low profits, the boys argued that while the day itself may not be a big earner, the opportunity to open the College up should lead to it selling itself in terms of future tuition or events. This made the panel murmer somewhat, as they too had been swayed by this stance.
Finally, Poppy Wallace, Georgia Holliday and Ben Gruchow presented their idea of hosting an Outdoor Cinema Day on the New Field. This would open the grounds up to families in the afternoon, attending a child friendly film, and an adult audience later in the evening. Impressively, the group had already been in contact with the relevant suppliers and companies to ensure that their event could be catered for, provide furniture and even cover from the rain, should the weather turn.
After the presentations, the judging panel conferred. Headmaster Gregg Davies, along with Director of Marketing Katherine Green, Marketing and Communications Officer Tom Strudwick, external Events Manager Imogen Parker and visiting Marketing professional Sue Lyons, struggled to agree fully, but were able to come to a group consensus as to which group presented the most viable and profitable idea.
The winning group was the first, as their business mindedness, confidence and ability to think on their feet outshone their peers and led them to victory. Their prize is a speedboat cruise down the River Thames in the heart of London. Very well done to all involved!
