West Cheshire College students demonstrated their business sense after participating in a challenge set by local firm ACF Car Finance Limited.

The market leading specialist used car dealer, welcomed Level 2 Business Diploma students to the company’s headquarters for this year’s ‘Outstanding Business Student Award’ presentations.

As part of the Business Diploma course, the college worked closely with ACF Car Finance to create a bespoke business project, following on from the success of last year’s competition.

The students were asked to present detailed proposals for the development of a hypothetical ACF Car Finance used car dealership in the Chester area, offering one lucky group the chance to win a £500 prize, paid in computer vouchers.

Three groups of students, aged 16 to 18, pitched their business proposals to a panel of senior business executives, which included Managing Director of The Funding Corporation David Challinor; ACF Car Finance Head of Motor Operations Mark Jones and Nicola Sharpe, Assistant Manager of West Cheshire College.

The judging panel was looking for presentations that were thoroughly researched and demonstrated creative ideas which could easily translate to a real business environment. Presentations included advertising campaigns and budget reports for the dealership and each group held a question and answers session at the end of their pitch, allowing judges to dissect their business ideas.

The winning team included talented students; Susan Black, Daniel Dunning, Milon Miah and Robynne Simpson, who were chosen as a result of their well-researched proposals and strong presentational skills. The group impressed judges with their detailed cost analysis and their recommendation that the ACF Car Finance dealerships, along with other motor trade organisations, should seek to employ more female sales executives to encourage female buyers, breaking down perceptions that dealerships can be very male-dominated environments.

David Challinor said: “This scheme was created to provide local business students with practical support and allow us to share our knowledge of the industry with these budding entrepreneurs.”

Via EPR Network
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