Enterprising pupils from Johnstone High School are celebrating after winning a national award.
Their climate-focused enterprise Bound to Bloom won an award for how it was marketed. The award comes from Young Enterprise Scotland's (YES) Company Programme finals.
The sixth-year pupils also made local history. This is the fourth time Johnstone High pupils have won Renfrewshire Company of the Year. This regional heat involves schools from Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
Bound to Bloom sells eco-friendly handmade Stem Separators for use in vases. The decorative item keeps flowers upright.
The key aim of their enterprise is to make money while raising awareness of the climate crisis. They hope to encourage people to make small changes that have a bigger impact on the environment.
School-based enterprises help young people develop real-life business skills. They learn how to work as team, communicate, and build their confidence.
Emily Keane, managing director of Bound to Bloom, said:
Being part of Young Enterprise and taking on the role of Managing Director has opened my eyes to the world of business. Not only do you gain real-life experience in a professional setting, but you also experience the highs and lows that come hand-in-hand with entrepreneurship.
Seeing the expressions on my teammates’ faces as it was announced we won the Marketing Award at the Scottish Finals is a memory I will hold onto forever. I’m so proud that as a team, we succeeded. We worked tirelessly from day one. Receiving recognition for our efforts made every stressful moment, every frustration, every late night, and even the occasional tear worthwhile.
Courtney Vernal, teacher for Business Education, added:
I could not be prouder of what Bound to Bloom have achieved. Their awards and achievements, culminating in winning Best Marketing Strategy in Scotland, are a testament to their hard work, innovation and determination.
What stands out most is their commitment to their social mission and the positive impact they made within the community. Watching this team overcome challenges, support one another and grow as individuals has been incredibly rewarding, and I have no doubt the experience will stay with them for years to come.
Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council's Education Convener, said:
Our enterprising pupils at Johnstone High School should be incredibly proud. To win at a national level on top of being named Renfrewshire Company of the Year for a fourth year in a row is fantastic.
Bound to Bloom is a brilliant example of young people using creativity and teamwork to make a positive difference. Pupils have shown real entrepreneurial spirit. Through their enterprise, they have helped raise awareness of the climate crisis. I would like to congratulate everyone involved and wish them every success in the future.