Robert Burns Academy: Pupils create new melts business

S6 pupils from Robert Burns Academy (RBA) took part in Young Enterprise Scotland’s Company Programme, where they start up and run their own company.

Running over the course of a full academic year, pupils start up their own student company, running through the key milestones of developing an idea, conducting market research, creating the product or service, promoting that product and ultimately trading it.

Amber Riddicks and Eva Purdie from RBA created 'Magic Melts', successfully starting their business creating wax melts which they have then sold on in order to make a profit.

Amber Riddicks, Mr Moffat, lead teacher, and Eva Purdie. (Image: Robert Burns Academy)

Amber and Eva have worked together as a duo through all stages of developing their business by fundraising, conducting market research, designing their logo and branding, marketing their product and selling it.

Throughout the programme they have developed lots of new skills such as leadership, communication, creativity and finance as well as demonstrating their resilience as a team.

Magic Melts competed in the Ayrshire finals where they had to produce a report, take part in an interview about their company and experiences as well as present in front of an audience.

As part of Amber and Eva's great work, along with support from lead teacher, Mr Moffat, they claimed the prizes of 'Best Teamwork' and 'Best Marketing' through the programme.