Our Hospice once again put young people’s business skills to the test with its Business Builder Challenge, as 11 teams from Pontefract Academies Trust Carleton High School took part in the initiative over the last few months.
The Business Builder Challenge gives students the opportunity to develop real life business skills by creating and running their own mini enterprises, supported by volunteer Business Buddies from the local business community. Alongside gaining valuable experience, students raised an impressive £1,842 for the Hospice.
Throughout the challenge, the teams worked on developing their own business ideas, producing a wide variety of products. These were sold to the public at the school’s Christmas Fayre, where students showcased their creativity, teamwork and enterprise skills.
The challenge was made possible thanks to the commitment and expertise of the Hospice’s Business Buddies, Claire Sutherley DL, Adam Fletcher, Michael Harle, Martin Weaver Parker, Tracey Mearns, Dariusz Szepler and Karen Horner, who volunteered their time to mentor and guide the students throughout the process. The challenge was kindly sponsored by local businesses Ridley & Hall Solicitors and Handelsbanken.
The funds raised will help our Hospice continue to provide compassionate care and support to local patients and their families.
Michael Harle, Director at Prosper Accountancy said: “Having worked with The Prince of Wales Hospice for a number of years, we wanted to share in the entrepreneurial spirit shown by the students of Carleton Academy in the Business Builder Challenge.
It’s fantastic to see young people bringing forward fresh ideas and perspectives that connect so naturally with their generation.
Creating a space where those ideas can grow, supported and encouraged by experienced business leaders, is incredibly important, and it’s exciting to see that creativity and confidence develop through the challenge.
I hope the 2026 cohort of students enjoys the challenge, and at Prosper Accountancy, we look forward to supporting the winning team once again, just as we did in 2025.”
As planning begins for the 2026 Business Builder Challenge, the Hospice is encouraging schools and local businesses to get involved. Anyone interested in registering a team or supporting the initiative as a Business Buddy is invited to get in touch to learn more about the programme and the impact it has on hospice care.
If you or your business wants to get involved in supporting the Hospice, you can visit https://www.pwh.org.uk/get-involved/ for more information.
