Fair encourages next generation of entrepreneurs

The award-winning Pembrokeshire Enterprise Fair returned last week – giving hundreds of children and young people the opportunity to develop their creativity and business skills in a real-life entrepreneurial setting.

Groups from schools and youth clubs showcased a wide variety of innovative products on the Riverside at Haverfordwest.

Each group was responsible for developing their ideas, marketing the product and managing money for real, with all profits ploughed back to resource similar projects in the future.

Products ranged from freshly-made Welsh cakes and popcorn to flower wellies, and many groups used natural finds from their local areas to make into attractive products.

Ysgol Bro Ingli in Newport used wool from a nearby farm and driftwood, pebbles and shells from beaches to create pictures of sheep, while pupils from Cleddau Reach VC School in Llangwm found sea glass at local shores which they made into necklaces and keyrings.

Organiser and Youth Enterprise Officer Wendy Harris said the three-day event aims to give young people a passion for enterprise.

“Once again it’s been a fantastic event,” she said. “The enthusiasm and hard work by all of the young traders is phenomenal. Look out for next year when will be celebrating our tenth anniversary!”

The fair was highly commended at last year’s Enterprising Britain Awards – the only Welsh project to be recognised.

Cllr Keith Lewis, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities, said that during the nine years since it was established, it has gone from strength to strength.

“The event has given thousands of budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to test out their business ideas,” he said.

“The youngsters gain invaluable business experience and for some, it has been a real springboard to creating their own businesses as adults.”

The fair is a partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council’s education and regeneration departments, local businesses and Riverside Shopping.

The Pembrokeshire Enterprise Fair 2016 was sponsored by the Bluestone Foundation, Pembrokeshire Lottery and the PBI, and supported by Riverside Shopping.

Pictured are pupils from Hook CP School with their freshly-made biscuits with Cllr Tony Brinsden, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Pictured are pupils from Portfield School at their stall with (left to right) Amanda Boyce, business manager of Futureworks, Wendy Harris, Abigail Owens from Pembrokeshire Lottery, Cllr Tony Brinsden, Cllr Alan Buckfield, mayor of Haverfordwest, and Roland Keevil from Riverside Shopping.