SCHOOL business enterprise team Swish from Ryde Academy has won an accolade as part of this year’s Young Enterprise Company programme.

The competition features schools and colleges from throughout the UK who compete in a business enterprise initiative to design, launch, trade and present a new business idea from start to finish.

On the Island, Ed-WISE coordinate the event on behalf of Young Enterprise. Competition was fierce, with eight teams taking part.

In late February, Swish secured the most investment in its business venture by winning the Dragons' Den competition, where all eight teams competed for real cash investment from a panel of well-known local business people.

Funding was provided by Cowes Rotary and Island Business Network, with teams earning their cash investment on the day.

The coronavirus outbreak disrupted the progress of many teams, but Swish and Node — from the Island Sixth Form — went forward for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Regional Final.

Swish added to their successes by winning a trio of awards for Sustainability, Team Journey and Best Company at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight regional final. They will take a step up the competition ladder with a South East regional final this month.

Joy Ballard, headteacher of Ryde Academy, said: “The team put in a tremendous amount of effort this year, made even harder by coronavirus, which meant they had to trade and maximise their profits in a reduced timeframe. Winning a trio of awards is incredible.

“Swish could not have been so successful without the help and support of Katie Bell, here at school, and from the team’s business advisor, Reuben Loake.”