Tuesday 7 May 2013 Members of two student companies at GSAL have tasted sweet success in this year’s Leeds Enterprise Advisory Programme (LEAP) for their chutney and confectionery businesses. Chutney Hut and Sucré are two companies set up by lower sixth students under the LEAP scheme, which between them scooped six awards at the recent LEAP awards, plus runner up in five categories and third in three categories. Both companies turned a healthy profit during just eight months of trading. The annual LEAP scheme provides opportunities for sixth form students to set up their own businesses, with each team member assuming a key role in the running of the company, such as marketing, design, finance or sales. Specialising in locally sourced preserves, Chutney Hut won awards for the best business plan, media awareness, website and presentation. The team of lower sixth students feel their strategy of sourcing locally and raising their profile via the press and social media paid off. Managing director Max Rostron, who created the company’s award-winning website, said: “Sourcing locally was our USP and we worked hard to communicate this, by contacting local media, developing our website and using Twitter and Facebook. The awards are recognition of the real team effort that has gone into Chutney Hut.” Sucré created an appealing brand for their confectionery business, and won awards for the best logo and the best administered company. Rhonwen Powell designed Sucré’s award-winning logo. She said: “I did a lot of research into other companies before presenting the group with our options. We found our clean design and colour scheme to be very versatile; it transferred effectively to our packaging, uniforms and trade stands.” Ben Swyer, Sucré’s marketing director, said: “The simplicity of our branding worked well and projected the right image; we received many compliments on our presentation at the trade fairs. We all joined the LEAP scheme to get valuable work experience and it has been a great insight into what is involved in business.” A third GSAL team won the award for most improved company – Bliss offered a wide range of luxurious cupcakes for all occasions. Pictured: Top: Chutney Hut l-r Jack Payne, Albert Gibbs, Max Rostron, Toby Ellison-Scott, Kieran Chan, Akash Ramnath Below: Sucré l-r Ben Swyer, Fares Tellisi, Anam Malik, Kristi Briggs, Matthew Li, Rhonwen Powell, Elinor Clapson General Sixth Form News
