The Young Enterprise programme, described as a national charity specialising in enterprise and financial education, runs a programme each year for sixth formers across the company, allowing them to create and manage their own business and therefore providing them with a realistic scope for a life in the world of work. Keen to find out more about this project, I spoke to Benjamin Potts, Sales Director of Zero-an award winning Young Enterprise Company at Steyning Grammar School, West Sussex.

Zero are a business focused on helping the environment. In their own words, the aim of Zero is to “relish what Mother Nature has provided us with, and share our love for the planet with you”, whilst also remaining “passionate about distributing waste free items and helping educate people on how they can reduce their plastic consumption in their everyday lives”. By promoting environmentally friendly products over plastic alternatives, the student led company has flourished, most recently taking home the Best product award at the Coastal West Sussex Young Enterprise awards in Littlehampton. Products available to buy include reusable water bottles and coffee cups, a bamboo toothbrush and bathroom essentials such as soap and shampoo bars-all of which are of course packaged using eco-friendly, recyclable materials.

Benjamin said that the experience had “really helped me develop my leadership skills” and that he was proud to be part of such an engaging “student led organisation”.

If you are interested in finding out more about Zero or purchasing any of their products visit their website at https://mystudentcompany.com/young-enterprise-uk/company/ZERO  or search for zero.ye on Instagram.