Progression+ win JA company contest

QEll team to represent IOM in Europe

A team from Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel was named Junior Achievement Student Company of the Year 2017.

Progression+ the brainchild of Alex Devereau, Chloe Irving, Kelly McMullin, Chloe Mylchreest and Will Snape, brought to market Wakeeze, a vibrating wrist-band device aimed at eliminating 'the shock and stress' of a conventional alarm call, which also serves as a fitness monitor.

They triumphed over 29 teams competing in Manx charity Junior Achievement Isle of Man’s Company of the Year Programme, sponsored by the Boston Charitable Foundation - which tasks Year 12 students to set up and run a company over the course of an academic year.

The team will go on to represent the Isle of Man in Brussels in July when they will complete with 39 other student companies from across Europe for the title JA-YE Europe Company of the Year.

A record 29 student company teams - 140 students in total - from all five high schools and University College Isle of Man entered the competition, which concluded at an awards ceremony, sponsored by Canada Life International, at the Villa Marina.

Presenting the Company of the Year trophy, Boston Group director Ruth Robinson said that Progression+ was a team which ‘demonstrated a high degree of professionalism’ and had impressed the judges ‘with their determination, focus and level of commitment’.

She added that the company that left the judges in no doubt they were ready to represent the Isle of Man in Europe.

Runners-up were Polaris, from Ramsey Grammar School and third place went to Ineffable from Ballakermeen High School.

MannVend Award for Outstanding Team Member went to Ciara Sowerby, Wave Crest, BHS, and the Maggie Galloway Memorial Award for Inspirational Team Leader was presented to Chloe Irving from Progression+