Claughtons continues to support local primary pupils through a blossoming partnership

Paisley Primary School in Hull recently showcased its pupils’ exemplary artwork through an exhibition held at the school. The pupils and staff set up the exhibition as part of the Make £5 Blossom project, part of the Hull Ready programme. Under this scheme, local businesses are being given the chance to invest in the future of young people. The project works through an initial investment of just £150 for a class of 30 pupils to encourage children to develop business plans, launch ideas and create products. After training, each child will be given £5 and they have to make a profit – paying back their loan in full.

Parents were invited to attend an after school showing of the masterpieces where they had the opportunity to buy any of the pieces. Each canvas, created by groups of pupils across the whole of the school, were sold for £3 each. Local furniture and stationery company, Claughtons, is the school’s business partner as a business they provide furniture to the education sector in addition to the supply and installation of office seating and furniture in addition to its bespoke business interiorsThe company provided the pupils with the financial loan, in addition to the display boards the school needed for the exhibition itself.

Debbie Page, marketing manager at Claughtons, said: “At Claughtons we strive to give something back to the community which supports us as a local company. We are excited to be involved with this project as its premise reflects the core values at the heart of our company. We believe in the importance of educating young people in the skills of entrepreneurship, giving them a forum in which to explore their ideas and creativity.

“We believe that investing in children at an early age will allow them the opportunity to develop lifelong skills and knowledge which will benefit them in the future.

“It was a pleasure to be invited to the school’s art exhibition, the children’s work is very impressive and no doubt they will make a substantial profit on the pieces,” she added.

Mike, from Hull Ready, said: “The scheme gives young people the opportunity to not only think with a business mind, but to get creative and encourages financial responsibility. Pupils decide what they sell, where they sell it and to whom, before checking the profits and presenting their final results. Business investors will be invited to the presentations, where certificates are awarded for the most successful businesses, as well as the most innovative, creative and hard-working entrepreneurs.”

Mr David Gillings, year six teacher at Paisley Primary School, said: “The Make £5 Blossom project really makes a difference to the pupils’ aspirations. The children love getting involved with this project and greatly enjoy coming up with innovative ideas. Children as young as four and up to 11 years old have been introduced to the concepts behind running a business. Claughtons’ support and advice has been invaluable and both the staff and the pupils have enjoyed working with the staff at the company.”