An innovative group of Young Enterprise students from Cirencester College developed a revolutionary new piece of computing hardware called Obelisk. Obelisk won awards for most innovative product and best retail impact at the Young Enterprise Trade Fair. The product impressed employees from Hewlett Packard, PC World, and a local manufacturer who offered to help get it on store shelves. Another group called Validus presented a range of seasonal products but did not win any prizes, though the judges praised their profit margins and potential in the market. The competition saw improved ideas and presentations from students across the area in business compared to previous years.

1. 18/03/2012 14:03Innovation and enterprise from young Cirencester students
Page 1 of 2http://www.cirencester.ac.uk/news/index.php?id=1445
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Innovation and enterprise from young Cirencester students
An innovative group of Young Enterprise students wowed the judges when they recently took part
in the Young Enterprise Trade Fair at Cheltenham Town Hall.
One group of students who called their company Obelisk, have developed a revolutionary
new piece of computing hardware, which went down a storm with the judges and fellow
participants. Obelisk by far have been the best representation of any groups from Cirencester
College in the past five years and they came away as winners of the most "innovative product"
and three commendations, one of which for "best retail impact". The team did so well that
they were given business cards from employees of Hewlett Packard, PC World and a Cheltenham
based manufacturer who all offered to help get the product on to shelves at big high street
retailers making the day overall a big success.
Managing Director Katie Cluett commented that "I am so proud of the group we all worked really
hard on the stall and were glad to have gained recognition for Bill's idea". Inventor Bill Perry is
now in the process of patenting his technology. So watch this space as we may see the product
hitting the shop floor sometime next year. Following this success the group intend to compete in
the Cirencester Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Another group of students who formed, Validus, sadly came away with no prizes but put on a
great show with an eye catching stand to sell their range of seasonal products. The judges were
impressed with their profit margins and said they showed real signs of potential in this market.
The competition was very high this year with all judges commenting on how the level of business
ideas and presentation has improved year on year across the area. The Young Enterprise is not
just open to business students but anyone with an innovative streak who can contribute to a
successful company. For more details about this story or Young Enterprise scheme at Cirencester
College, please contact Hannah Clark on hec@cirencester .ac.uk.
Last Modified: 16th March 2012
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2. 18/03/2012 14:03Innovation and enterprise from young Cirencester students
Page 2 of 2http://www.cirencester.ac.uk/news/index.php?id=1445