VALUABLE insights into the world of business were gained by more than 100 students at Neale-Wade Community College in March during a frenetic morning of serious games-playing earlier this month.

VALUABLE insights into the world of business were gained by more than 100 students at Neale-Wade Community College in March during a frenetic morning of serious games-playing earlier this month.

They threw themselves enthusiastically into a four-hour session of BoomBizz, a game designed to give them the chance to experience all the challenges and excitement involved in running a successful business. The event was supported by Fenland District Council and several companies.

The students from Year 8 were divided into teams who competed against each other to see who could make the best product and end up with the greatest profit.

Each team had to choose a product and “manufacture” it, using small interlocking bricks. Then they had to deliver it to customers – and all within a very tight timeframe.

From the start, BoomBizz challenges the players to make important decisions under increasing pressure. As the morning continued, the teams were introduced to the realities of supply and demand, customer care, quality control and recruitment – and the need to work fast and efficiently.

To make the scenario more realistic, crucial roles were played by representatives from companies, including Fenmarc, John Lewis, Commercial Utility Brokers (UK) Ltd and FDC.

The team that emerged as the winners at the end of a noisy and hectic morning was made up of Dale Richardson, Adam Cox, Liam Stockbridge, Kieran Harvey, Reece Harding, Ben Calvert, Jake Powell and Aaron Elmore.

The event was attended by Councillor Chris Seaton, FDC’s portfolio holder with responsibility for economic development. He said: “It’s really encouraging to see the amount of talent and enthusiasm shown by all the students. Let’s hope that many of them can take that forward in their future careers. That would be good for them and for Fenland.”

The companies who took part pledged their support for similar activities in the future. Matthew Plumb, of Commercial Utility Brokers (UK) Ltd, said: “The Neale-Wade students already appear to have fantastic business sense and I feel they were inspired to continue to learn more about being self-employed and starting their own business.”

Clare Dixon, from Fenmarc said: “It was a fun morning and all the students really seemed to enjoy themselves. It’s great to take part in a community event like this.”