A project to provide a link with local businesses to students at Tenby’s secondary school, to explore future work opportunities within the town, was held this week, after being backed by local councillors.
A-level ‘Business Studies’ students from Ysgol Greenhill shared a ‘Business Breakfast’ with members of the Tenby Chamber of Commerce.
The event was held at the Qube Restaurant on Monday morning (January 22), with students being given the opportunity to meet, discuss and learn with a range of local businesses present.
Co-ordinated by Cllr. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, county councillor for the seaside town’s South Ward, catering was provided by the Qube Restaurant with Tenby Town Council providing £250 towards the cost of the event.
Digital Lead and Head of Computing, at Greenhill School, Mrs. Vicky Price said: “The event was a fantastic learning experience for the young people and hopefully it can become an annual event.
“We are grateful to the businesses for giving up their time and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
Praising the event, Cllr. Skyrme-Blackhall commented: “This is a true partnership event with everyone contributing including the Town Council, Ysgol Greenhill, Qube Group, Tenby Chamber of Trade and individual businesses.
“This was a great opportunity for businesses of the future get advice from businesses of the present.”
Chairman of the newly re-established Chamber of Trade, Matt Ronowitz remarked: “We are delighted to contribute to the event and enable young people to meet with local businesses. Hopefully this will be an ongoing relationship.”
The event was also attended by the Mayor of Tenby, Cllr. Dai Morgan; whilst Alex Evans, Youth Enterprise Economic Development Officer from Pembrokeshire County Council who was also in attendance, is hoping to provide ongoing support for the Young People.
Other businesses from the town attending included - Dales Music, Charlton Cards, Jago's, Morris Brothers, FBM Estate Agents, Victoria Brace Marketing, Celvac, Steve Williams Shops, and Lollies.
Sergeant Gareth Potter, from Tenby Police Station was also in attendance.
At this month’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, members were asked to consider funding towards the business ‘breakfast club’ project for Greenhill School’s business studies students.
Members were told that Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall had been approached by Ms Price, a business studies A-level teacher at Ysgol Greenhill about the project, with the school now establishing a ‘Breakfast Business Club’ for the A level students to meet with the Chamber of Commerce.
Ms Price wondered if Tenby Town Council were in a position to provide financial support for future events, which would provide a link with businesses through engagement and interaction, as well as exploring future work opportunities for pupils within the town.
She was pleased the project was progressing but explained that funding was needed.
It was suggested the A Level students could prepare a business case for the meetings as part of their studies.
Cllr. Skyrme-Blackhall suggested initial funding could be followed by a presentation on how they would use future funding. She said they may wish to do other things within town and conversations were already being had between staff at the school, the Mayor of Tenby Cllr Morgan and fellow councillor Tom Sloan.
Cllr Duncan Whitehurst felt a contribution from the council would be value for money as it would continue long term relationships being developed with the school which would be beneficial for the town.
It was resolved that, under section 40 of the Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015, a donation of £250 be made towards the costs of the ‘breakfast club’.