YOUNG Enterprise companies have met to present their business cases to a panel of experts.

The businesses, made up of schoolchildren taking part in Young Enterprise, presented themselves at a South Worcestershire heat at Malvern St James’ school.

Students were previously judged on their performance at an annual trade fair as well as having to submit a comprehensive business report.

The marks were added together and the top eight companies were invited to speak about their experiences throughout the programme.

Among those going forward to the next round of the company are Avian, a bird box and accessory company and Red Sparrow, who produced Worcestershire Saucethemed aprons and chutney, both made up of students from The King’s School, Worcester.

Also joining them will be Royal Flush, of Malvern St James, who produced a children’s integrated story book and pupils from The Chase, for FashApp.

Other prizes given out included the Worcester News Digital Media Award given to YES, of Worcester Sixth Form College.

The Trade Fair Cup went to Avian, the Bishop Fleming Rabjohns FD Shield to Nova, Billy Colbourne, of The Chase and Best Presentation was given to Hide and Seek, of Malvern St James.

The QinetiQ Innovation Award and the Angela Davis PR and Editorial Services Teamwork Award were both awarded to Frameous, of Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham.

Postcode Anywhere Best Use of IT Award went to Nova and Red Sparrow.

Paul Moult, Young Enterprise South Worcestershire area board chairman, said: “All the companies are winners in our eyes. To see these young people perform their presentations before the judging panel comprising some of the most successful business brains in our county is truly inspiring.

“It fills me with both pride and confidence that our economic future is safe in their hands.”

The Young Enterprise Herefordshire and Worcestershire strategic final will take place on Wednesday, May 2, at County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester.