In the 1980’s Polly Peck and Ratners were widely used as case studies on how a perfect business should be run, clearly as time has progressed this perhaps was not true.

In the 90’s and Noughties there were lots of highly successful businesses that started on a shoestring with just an idea and went on to make millions (think Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook). With top TV programmes like Young Apprentice business is now really cool.

In order that children can gain practical experience of how a business works we have put together a series of exercises called The Smoothie Enterprise Challenge. This is an exciting and engaging business simulation where pupils get the opportunity to run their own small business. Their task is to create, design, advertise and sell a new Smoothie.

The children work in small teams and take on the management roles in the business. They agree a name for their Smoothie, design a logo and company strapline, conduct some very tasty market research, cost out their products and then design all the marketing materials. Each team then delivers a presentation to a panel of ‘supermarket buyers’ who will invest in their favourite brand. Working to tight deadlines gives the activity a ‘real’ business flavour.

The ‘Smoothie Enterprise Challenge’ is suitable for Upper KS1 and KS2.

The learning outcomes are: to understand and experience some of the key tasks in running a business, to develop and apply key skills on a ‘real’ business project, to enhance english, maths and art work, to develop social skills and have fun whilst working as part of a team.

This resource contains clear teacher guidance notes that explain how to run the exercises, a pre-event lesson plan so children will understand the vocabulary used, 6 exercises all with colourful student worksheets and a resources checklist which covers each exercise.

There are more details at…

http://c-l-e.co.uk/buy-teaching-resources-online/the-smoothie-enterprise-challenge/

You can pay and download the exercise direct from our website using our secure Paypal system. Or you may wish to pay with either a cheque or a purchase order number. Simply e-mail your purchase order number to julie@c-l-e.co.uk and we will e-mail the exercise to you along with the invoice for payment.