A talented team of BIZ would-be businesswomen has triumphed in a competition to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Poker Face, a company set up by Brighton and Hove High School students, was named the Best Young Enterprise Company at the Brighton, Hove and Lewes area finals of this year’s Young Enterprise competition.

A total of ten schools took part in the contest, which aims to teach students a variety of skills through operating a business.

Trading Each team had to create a proper trading company, registering the business name, raising share capital, conducting market research, producing a business plan and marketing their products, while maintaining both corporate governance and financial records.

Poker Face sold accessories created using childhood toys, including necklaces made from Scrabble tiles for £3 and bracelets with Barbie shoes attached for £2.50, making a total profit of £166 on a turnover of £592.

Poker Face was made up of Sophie Humphrey, Alex Kirkby, Ellie Birtles, Rebecca Schroder, Kiana Stagg, Rebecca Relf, Emily Harris-Rowthorn, Shana Langridge and Amber Standring.

Sophie, 17, said: “This was our first experience of a real business. We learnt teamwork skills and the importance of customer service.

“We were praised because we didn’t try to push too hard to get sales and we were happy to talk about our products.”

Alex, also 17, added: “I definitely want to study business at university now and this has given me a perfect insight into what it entails.”

Each team was supported by a business mentor and Poker Face was assisted by Keith Appleyard, a recently retired senior manager at Amex, whose European head office is based at Amex House in Edward Street, Brighton.

Other mentors included representatives from HSBC, Face Media Group, NewMedia TV and Rock Paper Image.

Poker Face will now represent Brighton, Hove and Lewes at the Sussex Young Enterprise Finals tomorrow at The Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead.