Young Enterprise regional success for St Bart’s students

Budding young entrepreneurs are celebrating after their company secured a regional innovation award.

Clean-Cut – made up of Year 12 students from St Bartholomew’s School, in Newbury – won the Innovation and Technology Award at the Young Enterprise South Central Regional Final, which was held in High Wycombe.

Their company was one of two Berkshire school teams to impress judges at the Berkshire Area Final and secure their route to regionals.

The Clean-Cut company team includes Max Bamford, Thomas Bennett, Mariana Carvalho, Juno Corney, Daisy Essen, Cora Francis, Charlie Gale, Alfie Lamb-Boyce, Harry Lardner, Euan MacLeod, Tori McDonald and Elodie Tucker.

Clean-Cut produces drinkware, up-cycling glass bottles in a fully sustainable process – from their sourcing and production to packaging and presentation.

Alfie Lamb, who works as the company’s managing director, said: “We’ve worked really hard to create a sustainable and successful business, so winning the Innovation and Technology Award at the regional final was such a proud moment for us.”

The award is yet another to be added to the trophy cabinet of the St Bart’s student team.

At the Young Enterprise Trade Fair, held at Westgate Oxford in March, they took home the Sustainability Award and the Best Overall Company Award.

And then in April, their business also won the award for Most Sustainable and Engaging Outlook at GreenFest 2025.

Earlier in May the team took part in the area final, which involved submitting a company report on finances, team journey, impact and legacy, completing a 10-minute interview with the judges and then carrying out a four-minute presentation to everyone present.

Clean-Cut won Best Company Report and Best Presentation, earning them a place in the recent regional final.

Charlie Gale, Clean-Cut company member, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have won the Innovation and Technology Award at the South Central Regional Final.

“Being one of just five companies recognised out of 10 who got to the finals and over 60 in the region is a huge achievement, and it shows the hard work that we have all put into the Young Enterprise programme.

“Although we didn’t make it through to the nationals, the experience of presenting, being interviewed and submitting a company report has been invaluable – we’re so proud of how far Clean-Cut has come.”

Denise Seward, head of business and economics at St Bart’s, said: “The Young Enterprise Company programme is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the highs and lows of running their own business.

“From the outset it is their responsibility to come up with the idea, organise production, market and sell and keep accounts.

“They also take on the responsibility of participating in the Young Enterprise competitions – preparing for the trade fair, writing a business plan and company report, producing a presentation and preparing for the judges’ interviews.

“Clean-Cut have worked exceptionally hard throughout the programme, particularly as they carried out the whole production process themselves.

“The standard at the regional final was very high – to reach this stage and to win an award for innovation is a fantastic achievement.”

Joey Russ, educational partnerships regional manager, South Central and East of England, added: “As regional manager for Young Enterprise I am incredibly proud of the outstanding achievement by St Bartholomew’s School at this year’s regional finals.

“Their creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit truly reflect the values we aim to foster through our programmes.

“Their success is a testament to the talent and dedication of both students and staff.

“We would love to see more schools across West Berkshire and Newbury get involved in Young Enterprise.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to develop real-world skills, build confidence, and gain experience that will benefit them for years to come.

“We’re here to support schools every step of the way and are excited to help the next generation of young entrepreneurs thrive.”

The Young Enterprise Programme challenges students to set up and run their own company, offering a learning opportunity that develops practical business experience, adaptability, entrepreneurial mind set and the employability skills needed to secure successful futures.