Birkdale School have emerged from a major Sheffield schools enterprise contest victorious.

Students from the school, aged 15, put their entrepreneurial spirit to the test and won first prize Sheffield Enterprise Agency’s (SENTA’s) Student Enterprise Competition as part of National Enterprise Week.

Pupils from a record 20 local schools entered the 4th annual competition, held at the University of Sheffield, for a day of interactive business simulation. They made use of new SimVenutre software which allows users to start up and run their own virtual business.

Designed by business experts, the software mirrors reality as closely as possible and integrates a world of information where business decisions must be made and consequences dealt with.

Students also received a talk from Music Factory founder Andy Pickles, who shared his entrepreneurial experiences with an inspirational business talk.

Birkdale beat off competition from Silverdale School and Parkwood High School who finished second and third respectively. Teams were judged on the amount of money they made using the software.

The winning teams each received medals and gift vouchers of £50, £25 and £10 respectively.

Steve Stoddard, Head of Economics at Birkdale School, said: “This is the first year we have entered the competition and I’m delighted with the result. It was a really inspirational event which has stretched the children’s understanding of real business. The presence of a real, local entrepreneur like Andy just added to the kudos of the event.”

Speaking at the event, Music Factory founder Andy Pickles, said: “Life is about choices, looking to the future and making the most of your opportunities. If you want it, go get it, because no one is going to find you. But I bet there are many, many potential entrepreneurs at this event today and I’d encourage each and every one of them to go ahead and chase their dream.”

SENTA is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and provides fully integrated support to new business start-ups and businesses up to two years old. Its start-up programme is funded by Yorkshire Forward under contract with Business Link South Yorkshire.

Students must ensure the idea is marketable and develop a mini business plan. SENTA business advisors will be on hand to assist them in areas such as finance and marketing and general business planning issues.