A GROUP of students who set up their own business are one step closer to winning a regional prize.

The first year students from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QESFC) launched their fashion brand, entitled ‘c_ncept.’, as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

A Level Business and Economics student, Glenn Premarion, who is also the company’s creative director, describes the logo as ‘simple and contextual, representing a minimal aesthetic. The missing ‘o’ suggests the idea is incomplete, that there is space for it to grow into something bigger and better’.

The group began by selling reusable, canvas tote bags and are now looking to expand their range of products to include t-shirts.

With support from Young Enterprise and their business adviser, Andrew Wattsford, from local business, Wattsford Commercial Finance, the students were tasked with preparing a business plan and presentation which they delivered to judges at the Tees Valley Area Showcase.

Despite facing tough competition, they finished in second place and the group will now compete in the North East Regional Finals.

The businessman said: "These young people have shown true entrepreneurial spirit and the skills they have developed will undoubtedly allow them to succeed in the future."

Alfie Burns, who studies A Biology, English Literature and Maths at QESFC, added: ‘We are really excited to be taking part in the regional finals. We really believe in the brand and cannot wait to present it again."

Alice Atkinson, higher education and careers adviser, said: ‘It has been wonderful to work with these amazing, young entrepreneurs and witness them grow in confidence and during the process. I was immensely proud to see them come second in the Tees Valley Area Showcase, they thoroughly deserved it."

All of the products sold by the business can be found on their Instagram page @c_ncept.official