​Economists get a taste for business after chocolate challenge

BUDDING young Ripon Grammar School sixth form economists got the taste for business after taking on an enterprise challenge in York.

The young entrepreneurs were competing in the York Enterprise Challenge, up against seven other school teams, hosted by the city’s St John

The event was supported by York Coco Works and York Dungeons, part of Merlin Entertainments, and organised by Time2 Resources.

Students were tasked with developing and presenting ideas for fair and sustainable chocolate products, including an immersive experience.

To kick off, the founder of the York Coco Works, Sophie Jewett, gave a passionate presentation, which included lots of chocolate tasting.

She explained the challenges of making ethically-produced chocolates, including producing sustainable cocoa beans, and paying the growers, from around the world, a fair and just price.

She also expanded on the many supply chain issues and ways of improving things to make a fairer product for all concerned. This is something she tries to do at her company in York.

Students then had two hours to set about the task, speak to the guest speakers and put together a three-minute presentation, demonstrating the importance of the cyclical economy, building in the concept of doughnut economics.

Ms Jewett, one of two judges, was so impressed with RGS’s presentation, especially the team’s tag line ‘Made in Yorkshire, Globally Fair’, that she invited them to her company to make chocolate!

Following a question and answer session, students gained more information about further entrepreneurial opportunities including the Economics Olympiad in the coming months.

RGS head of careers, Mr Walker, said: :”The whole event was an excellent opportunity for the students and something they thoroughly enjoyed.

:If you love all things chocolate you will be pleased to know that the York Cocoa Company have kindly agreed to attend our fabulous careers fair, along with the event organisers, which takes place on Thursday 19th March starting at 6.30pm.”

https://economicsolympiad.co.uk/

https://time2resources.co.uk/