2016/17 saw BV Dairy’s second year acting as Business Advisors to Shaftesbury School’s Lower Sixth Young Enterprise Team – and what a successful year this has proved to be.

This year’s Team, originally formed of nine pupils, started work on the project in September. Initially a decision was needed on a product concept and the Team used the facilities at BV Dairy to run a series of ‘Dragons Den’ style presentations in front of key Dairy staff. Armed with impartial and thought provoking comments they then agreed to set up their business, called Aurum, in the aromatherapy sector. Initially Aurum produced lavender pouches but quickly expanded the range to include camomile and jasmine pouches together with a selection of candles. BV Dairy continued mentoring with business knowledge and skills, with key staff visiting the school regularly to work with the students and guide them along their journey.

After just seven months Aurum showcased their Company at the North Dorset Finals where they were put forward to represent the area in the Dorset Finals. This competition, held in Wimborne on Friday 28 April, saw them achieve a fabulous third place. Mark Damen, BV Dairy’s ERP Systems Manager, who worked closely with the Team and Shaftesbury School attended the event and said ‘this is a fantastic result when considering the very high quality of the teams Aurum were up against. We are very proud.’

Dave Parry, the teacher with responsibility for the Young Enterprise scheme within Shaftesbury School reported ‘we are absolutely delighted as a team and a school at the progress that Aurum have made and the journey they have been on. A big thanks goes to BV Dairy for making it possible and being the Business Advisors who have guided them and given them a taste of what running a successful company is like and also made them appreciate the hard work and resilience that is needed.’

BV Dairy’s Managing Director, Jim Highnam, commented that ‘we have been delighted to support young business people of the future in this valuable programme over the last two years and we are grateful to Shaftesbury School for giving our Managers and Directors the opportunity to help in this mentoring programme. We would like to extend our congratulations to Aurum and the school for this fantastic result and wish them further success in the future. I am also happy to confirm that we are excited about our future involvement in this very beneficial project and we are looking forward to the 2017/18 year.’

PHOTO NOTE – Team Aurum, from left to right Premos, Kike, Hannah, Freya (MD).