The Enterprise Challenge at Benenden is a student-led business competition at the heart of our Sixth Form Professional Skills Programme, giving Six One (Year 12) students the opportunity to plan, launch and run their own businesses. They’re involved in all aspects of launching their business including research, branding, marketing, budgeting, operations and sales.
Experienced professionals have generously mentored and advised the teams and we are grateful to our expert judging panel who attended the Dragons’ Den-style final pitch:
– Carl Meewezen (Chief Operating Officer at Benenden);
– Helen Beedham (organisational expert, bestselling author and host of The Business of Being Brilliant podcast);
– Holly Kingsford (former intellectual property solicitor and strategic marketing consultant);
– Amber Douglas (Chartered Manager and Strategic Partner in Learning & Development at IWG);
– Modwenna Rees-Mogg (Extensive experience in corporate finance and venture capital).
Our finalists impressed across the board:
👜 Benenduffle – scalable, design-led duffle bags
🍪 Dough-licious – inclusive halal and vegan cookie dough
☕ Golden Star Coffee – strong profitability and operational excellence
🍯 The Golden B – sustainability-focused, locally sourced honey
The standard was exceptionally high, making the judges’ decision incredibly difficult!
The winners were announced at our inaugural black-tie Enterprise Challenge Presentation Dinner…
Congratulations to our 2026 winners, Benenduffle! Well done to Bea, Katia, Chloe, Marina, Elena, Ebun, Cloris and India on a fantastic achievement.