Business brains take a top prize (From Penarth Times)

Business brains take a top prize

A PENARTH school has won one of the top prizes at a prestigious competition for young business people.

Stanwell School participated in the ACCA's 2003 Business Challenge, at Cardiff University, on March 5 - and beat off competition from 10 other South Wales schools to win one of the two top prizes!

Two teams went from Stanwell to the competition.

In the game 22 teams from 13 schools were challenged to make strategic decisions about the business of running a commercial radio station to generate a profit.

The winning team had to use its analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent teamwork in order to identify real solutions to the issues presented.

Designed for 16 - 18 year olds, the ACCA Business Challenge is a computer based business simulation aimed at dispelling traditional perceptions of accountancy and emphasising the increasingly strategic role finance plays in today's business arena.

Head of economics at Stanwell School, John Boggan said: "All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed participating in the competition and taking part in the tasks which were set.

In fact many of them are considering careers in the field of business because they enjoyed the experience so much."

In congratulating Stanwell's team, Wyn Mears, Head of ACCA Wales said: "The initiative gives school leavers a terrific opportunity to get a taste of the challenges accountants face in working with business.

"Their participation in the Challenge gives them the opportunity to appreciate the demands of working with clients and understand what they need to do to develop the skills all employers will be looking for in their future recruits".

"The event highlighted the diversity of the accountancy profession, and addressed the misconception that accountants are just number crunchers.

"Today's accountants have a much more dynamic and demanding role to play in Welsh business."