Bright ideas from young entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs have discovered that stress is the key to success – by selling relaxation aids.

Pupils at Lincoln Minster School have set up their own firm called Bubble.

Their product range includes scented soaps, stress balls, wheat and lavender infused neck warmers and relaxation CDs.

The company was one of seven which set out their wares in Lincoln's Waterside Shopping Centre on Saturday during the Young Enterprise Trade Fair.

"We all sat down to decide what products we'd like to sell and as we had exams coming up we thought products to relieve stress would sell well," said pupil Ben Matthews (17).

"There is stress in everyone's lives whether you're at school or at work.

"We were amazed when we sold out of neck warmers and stress balls at the Christmas Market."

The fair offered the companies a real taste of the challenges of selling goods to the public.

"We've discovered that there is a fine line between badgering people and allowing them to browse," Ben said.

Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Lincoln, David and Sandra Gratrick, officially opened the fair, which forms part of the Young Enterprise experience of year 11 and 12 pupils running real companies for the academic year.

During the year the businesses compete in area finals, with the aims of reaching the county, regional and ultimately the national finals.

For the full story and to find out about some of the other companies see Monday's Lincolnshire Echo.