The team, Seeds&Greetings, wowed the judges with the product they had developed as part of their experience on Young Enterprise’s Company Programme. They now go on to represent the whole of London and Essex at the UK Finals, being held in Cardiff, on 3 June.
Company Programme provides a real-life learning opportunity that introduces young people to the world of work as they set up and run their own student company. Participants have the chance to run their own business – and gain the confidence, skills and experience to thrive at work and beyond. The programme is suitable for 13-19 year olds, and the flexible duration means it can be done over 12 weeks or up to one year.
Seeds&Greetings, a playful pun based on the term ‘Seasons Greetings’ developed their product after researching the market on greetings cards. Over 1bn cards are thrown away every January, and the company has worked on designing and making attractive greeting cards with wildflower seeds embedded in recycled paper. These cards can be planted to support biodiversity and wildlife. The team have also developed ‘Seeds Sounds’ to allow a digital recording as a keepsake. As a result of their focus on zero waste and creativity, the team has already won various awards such as the Innovation Award and Sustainability Award. However, what is truly magical is that the team comprises students from both St Aloysius’ College and Channing. The team have found common ground, built a business from nothing and new friendships have been formed for life.
Ava Nielsen explained, “Our mission is to revolutionise sustainable living today, one card at a time. The next step is heading to Wales for the UK national finals of the Young Enterprise Company Programme!”
James Ezenwanne of Seeds&Greetings affirmed, “Seeds&Greetings are a team of brothers and sisters who have blossomed into a business. We’ve had challenges of course. Yet this has never hindered us. Why? Because Seeds&Greetings is more than just a group of colleagues, we are a family. This core value definitely drives our success!”
Michelle Feeney, teacher of history and centre lead for Young Enterprise at Channing, said, “I couldn’t be more pleased with the team. From the very beginning, they demonstrated exceptional commitment, creativity, and professionalism, working tirelessly to turn their idea for ‘Seeds&Greetings’ into a clear brand. Throughout the entire process, they showed outstanding business acumen, from identifying a clear market need to developing a thoughtful and sustainable product with real purpose behind it. Who wouldn’t want a zero waste card that actively challenges the effects of climate change? What makes their achievement even more special is their unique story as a mixed school team. They brought together a wide range of perspectives, strengths, and ideas, and it was this collaboration and mutual respect that truly set them apart. They should be incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and deserve their place among the winners of the UK.”
Maggie Ayre, Interim Head of Educational Partnerships at Young Enterprise commented “At this stage of the process, competition to get to the UK final is fierce, and while Channing and St Aloysius’ go through this time, we really enjoyed seeing all of the other excellent products and ideas presented by teams in the London and Essex Region. We wish Seeds&Greetings all the best in Cardiff on 3 June!”
