A GROUP of enterprising students have reached the national finals of a competition with their idea of starry nightclubs for teens.

Five pupils from Hazel Grove High School in Stockport won the north west heat of the Make Your Mark Challenge 2006, run by Enterprise Insight.

The initiative is designed to encourage entrepreneurship among young people in the UK.

The challenge was to come up with a business idea within the theme of `Make life fun . . . and earn a ton'.

The five students - Romit Laud, Kyle Jones, Robert Bunting, Matthew Wright and Liam Allison - had just six hours to produce a business plan for a winning venture.

The team came up with the idea of three night clubs for 14 to 17 year olds in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.

Venture

They named the venture Orion's after the constellation Orion's belt, which is roughly the same shape as the map line from Liverpool to Leeds.

The business plan had to contain a financial summary of how the idea would be funded as well as identifying possible competitors. The team had then only five minutes to present pitch their ideas to a panel judges.

Romit said: "Our team was one of 20 from more than 150 entries to be selected for the regional finals. We then gave our presentation to the judges who were clearly impressed and fascinated with our innovative concept because we went on to win."

The boys will now take their place at the national finals which will be held in London on December 11 and 12.

Romit adds: "It is the first time the school has reached this far in a business challenge. We are looking forward to the finals and hope to come home victorious."

Enterprise Insight is a coalition founded by the UK's main business organisations, including the Confederation of British Industry, Federation of Small Businesses and Institute of Directors.

It has strong support from government and is funded by the Small Business Service of the DTI. It also enjoys support from regional development agencies as well as education and corporate partners.