Top class idea from Inverurie Academy pupil
An Inverurie Academy pupil has taken first prize in a national enterprise competition.
The Mint Formations Enterprising Entrepreneur Award was presented to Shannon Ferries who is currently a pupil at Inverurie Academy.
She first heard about the contest which aims to offer a financial reward to budding entrepreneurs while taking part in a business workshop at the University of Aberdeen.
To select Shannon’s winning entry the panel of judges poured through all the submissions received, carefully considering each proposal.
The winning idea was eventually chosen based on a combination of its innovative thinking, creative outlook, realistic implementation and astute knowledge of untapped markets.
Director of Mint Formations Rajesh Velayuthasamy said: "The level of creativity and innovation we saw this year was outstanding.
"We want to offer our sincere congratulations to the winner Shannon, and all our runners-up.
"Selecting a winning entry was no easy task; the quality of business pitches was very inspiring.
"We’re confident all our runners-up have bright futures in business and encourage everyone to continue to follow their dreams.
Shannon’s business concept aims to support the large and often-underutilised 13 to 18-year-old working student community.
Her brand wants to offer tailored resources that help younger people find suitable jobs and work placements, allowing them to secure income and develop workplace skills from a young age.
In her pitch she focused on modernising the outdated world of employment opportunities she and her peers are currently facing.
When informed of her win a delighted Shannon said: “I immediately told my business and economics teacher, Mr Kelman, and burst into tears.
"He’s been the most supportive person throughout this difficult year and this has become a massive silver lining in the cloud of the last few days.”
As the overall winner, she has promised to use the prize money “to go and begin trying to develop the idea” that won her the award.
Winning during the time of the global Covid-19 pandemic, Shannon now intends to work on her winning business concept since in her own words “I am now faced with the prospect of having several months to do it in.”
