From Moss Side to Downing Street

Students from Manchester Academy have picked up the prestigious Apax – Mosaic Enterprise Challenge 2009/10 Award, in recognition of their business and entrepreneurial skills.

Evan Davis, host of Dragons' Den on the BBC presented the award during a lunchtime ceremony at Atlantic House, London.

Six teams from schools across the country competed in the finals of the challenge, which tested business and enterprise acumen. With a profit of £6.4 million generated in under an hour, Manchester Academy was announced as the clear winner.

Other distinguished speakers and guests included: Riz Lateef, BBC London News and John O’Brien, Managing Director, Mosaic.

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The winning team members were whisked off like celebrities, to celebrate with a whistle-stop tour of the BBC London News studios, before meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Alistair Darling at 11 Downing Street.

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The next stop was the APAX headquarters, overlooking The London Eye and Houses of Parliament and then a meeting with James Caan, Businessman and Entrepreneur in his Mayfair offices. Mr. Caan was so impressed with the Manchester students; he asked if they would consider working for him!

Thambir Ahmed, leader of the Manchester Academy team said: “I can’t believe we’ve finally won and beaten off some very tough competition. We’ve been working towards the finals since November and the whole team is ecstatic. It’s been a great experience and I’ve met people in one day that most people wouldn’t get to speak to in a lifetime!”

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Winning team member were: Thambir Ahmed, Mohamed Adan, Naim Arif Ahmed, Zamir Meah, Buyanzaya Purevsuren and Ka Yan Yiu.