A TEAM of students from Mill Hill have won £2500 for their school in a Middlesex University entrepreuner challenge.

Copthall School students emerged victorious when six groups of budding entrepreneurs battled it out on Monday, December 12 for a Middlesex University Entrepreneurial Challenge.

Students from schools across London were tasked with developing a business plan for a start up company.

The top six were invited to present to a panel made up of business experts including Andy Rubin, CEO of Pentland Brands, which owns brands including Speedo, Boxfresh and Red or Dead.

Student business ideas ranged from recycling crisp packets into keyrings to specialist recycling containers.

Copthall students, aged 16 to 18 years, took the prize with their business plan for a spot cream called ‘Target’ made from natural ingredients and essential oils, contained in sustainable packaging.

The team was awarded a £2500 prize for their school and £100 vouchers for each team member.

Teacher Leigh Pignatelli led the team, which included Divya Jethwa, Mercy Acheampong, Chelsea Hood, Sacha Mapingire and Emel Aydin.

Divyaba and Mercy said: “It was an eventful day, and even though we were really nervous seeing our competition it was great to work as a team with students we would not normally work with in school.

"We really enjoyed presenting to the judges and doing something different to everyday school life. The fact we won made it even more special."

Mrs Pignatelli said: "The experience has truly shown all of the students how the world of business works and this competition has given our students the confidence to realise their potential."