The Bright Stars Autumn/Winter 2023 programme has come to an end and winners have been announced, judged on “Best Example of Leadership,” “Best Marketing Idea,” and “Best Example of Community Engagement,” among other prize categories. Delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) and delivered in partnership with local businesses, Bright Stars is an award-winning competition aimed at primary school children across Cumbria. Each school has £50 seed funding and tasked with setting up their own mini social enterprise in just 12 weeks, that makes both a profit and a difference in their communities.
With guidance from mentors from local businesses and sponsorship support, Cumbria’s youngest entrepreneurs have left judges spellbound with their remarkable mini social enterprise initiatives, from winter warmer packs to planting trees and festive products. The programme has once again demonstrated its ability to spark young minds, nurture creativity, and create a positive difference in local communities with the impact being felt beyond the initial competition period.
The winners are as follows:
One success story comes from a collaboration between Ewanrigg Junior School, mentored by North Lakes Hotel & Spa (part of Daniel Thwaites), and sponsored by Allerdale GDF. Their “Most Profitable Social Enterprise” generated an impressive £2066.76 profit, dedicated to creating Winter Warmer packs for the elderly and vulnerable.
Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School, in partnership with Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, showed the “Best Demonstration of Being a Great Communicator.” Their effective communication skills were showcased in organising a Christmas Cosy Day with various activities and stalls.
Broughton Moor Primary School, collaborating with No Name Travel and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, impressed with the “Best Marketing Idea.” Their introduction of ‘Tradimals’, unique wildlife-themed trading cards, was complemented by a catchy theme tune and a thoughtful marketing strategy.
Seaton St Paul’s C of E Junior School (Class 5O), working with University of Cumbria Business Student Faye Holiday and volunteer Angela Schinzel, and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, won the “Best Example of Leadership.” The pupils added a customer service team during the sale of their hot chocolate cones at Dunmail Park, ensuring smiles on everyone’s faces.
Seaton St Paul’s C of E Junior School (Class 5O) selling hot chocolate cones at Dunmail Park
Valley Primary School and Nursery, sponsored by Barclays Eagle Labs and Nuclear Waste Services, achieved the “Best Example of Technology Use.” Team ‘Top Notch’ utilised technology by creating engaging videos, using a 3D printer for Christmas decorations, and showcasing environmentally friendly products on social media.
Valley Primary School and Nursery – Selling Christmas Decorations at their Christmas Fayre
Moor Row Community Primary School, collaborated with and sponsored by Bechtel Cavendish Nuclear Solutions, secured the “Most Positive Long-Term Impact” with their ‘Leafy Habitats’ project, enhancing biodiversity by obtaining and selling trees and bird feeders.
Broughton Primary School, partnering with The Vicky Business Centre and sponsored by Allerdale GDF, presented the “Best Social Enterprise Business Idea” with ‘Elfridges’, where children could choose, wrap, and label presents, reinvesting 50% of profits back into the community.
Oughterside Foundation School, working with the Centre for Leadership Performance and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, earned recognition for the “Best Logo.” ‘The Oughterside Stars’ planned a pensioners coffee morning and Christmas fair, showcasing a colourful and descriptive logo that incorporated their business concept and school identity.
Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School, in collaboration with Bell Group and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, demonstrated the “Best Example of Staying Positive/Resilient.” Despite losing their business mentor due to unfortunate circumstances, the school powered on to organise a successful Christmas event, showcasing resilience, determination, and most importantly, fun.
Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School Christmas Event
St Cuthbert’s School, partnering with Twoey and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, received the accolade for the “Best Example of Community Engagement.” ‘St. Cuthbert’s Nursery actively engaged with the community, creating and selling Fizzing Bath Crumble at local events.
Kirkbride Primary School, collaborating with Diff-Ability CIC and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, exemplified the “Best Example of Teamwork and Collaboration.” ‘Team Kirkbride’ organised a Festive Fair, creating and selling handmade crafts, showcasing effective teamwork and ensuring everyone played a vital part in their success.
Thursby Primary School, collaborating with Marsh Commercial and sponsored by Cumbria Community Foundation, were recognised for the “Best Business Plan,” as they impressed with ‘Sprinkle of Joy’, creating salt-dough and wool decorations, Santa stones, and organising events like a coffee morning and carol singing.
Judges have expressed that they were extremely impressed by the Mini Social Enterprises developed this Bright Stars, and the standards were incredibly high. The winners have been announced to the schools, and all schools and businesses will come together to celebrate their achievements at an online celebration event on January 25th.
To see more about the school projects click here.
CforLP has just announced that the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter 2024 Bright Stars programmes are now open for registration. The programme invites local businesses to join in supporting the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs and ignite future aspirations, and equip young people with the skills and aspirations needed to thrive. For more information on how to get involved, visit https://cforlp.org.uk/programmes/bright-stars-primary/ or contact claire.johnson@cforlp.org.uk.
