Larne High School students in running for prestigious Young Enterprise NI Award

Pictured (L-R) following a tough pitch battle to an esteemed panel of judges and in front of an audience at Invest NI’s offices are Finance Director Sophie, Sales Director Sarah, Social Media Director Grace, Marketing Director Grace, and Manager Ruth.

Larne High School is among six Northern Ireland schools shortlisted for the coveted Young Enterprise NI Company of the Year 2025 award, with their innovative pet accessory business, Paws and Pieces, earning high praise.

The finalists will compete at a grand ceremony in Belfast City Hall in May, showcasing the entrepreneurial talent of the region’s young people.

Paws and Pieces, created by Larne High School’s student team, designs stylish, safe, and sustainable pet accessories, such as bandanas, bow ties, and collar ties, crafted from upcycled materials.

Driven by their love for pets, the team prioritised safety, ensuring their products slip securely onto collars to eliminate choking risks. Their creative approach to sustainability and business acumen secured their place in the finals after a competitive pitch at Invest NI’s Belfast headquarters earlier this month.

Joining Larne High School on the shortlist are teams from Bangor Academy & Sixth Form College, The Royal School, Armagh, Omagh Academy, Dominican College, Portstewart, and Strathearn School, Belfast.

Each team impressed a distinguished judging panel with their innovative business ideas, demonstrating skills in branding, marketing, sales, and sustainability.

The winner, to be announced at the Belfast City Hall ceremony, will represent Northern Ireland at the Young Enterprise UK Company Final Awards, with the chance to advance to the European Company of the Year final in Athens later this year.

Young Enterprise NI, the region’s leading enterprise education charity, supports young people in developing essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and financial literacy through practical business experiences.

The annual Young Enterprise NI Awards (YEA25) are a cornerstone of its mission to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. This year’s competition saw record participation, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for business innovation among Northern Ireland’s youth.

Carol Fitzsimons MBE, chief executive of Young Enterprise NI, expressed her delight at the quality of entries:

“We’re thrilled by the response to this year’s awards, with an impressive range of ideas showcasing passion for business, innovation, and sustainability.

“Developing entrepreneurial talent is vital for our economic growth, and this programme plays a key role in nurturing our brightest business minds. We’re grateful to Northern Ireland’s leading businesses for their support.”

The judging panel featured prominent figures, including Young Enterprise alumnus Adam Ewart, founder of Send My Bag, Invest NI executive director Iain Joannides, and Vera McWilliams of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.

Other judges included Bank of Ireland senior manager Eighrean Horner, EY Northern Ireland chief operating officer Jonathan Williamson, and Radius Housing chief executive John McLean OBE.

Adam Ewart, whose company Send My Bag is a lead partner for Young Enterprise NI, praised the finalists:

“The quality of entries shows that entrepreneurship is thriving among our younger generations. They’re ambitious and eager for success, but they need support. Young Enterprise NI provides the challenges, opportunities, and connections to help them take their ideas to the next level.”

Jonathan Williamson of EY Northern Ireland, a sponsor of the awards, added:

“Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of a thriving global economy, and we’re excited by what this year’s finalists can achieve. The Young Enterprise NI programme is a launchpad for future entrepreneurs, and these students have both great ideas and the drive to make them a reality.”

Pauline Wylie, communications manager at A&O Shearman Belfast, another sponsor, highlighted the programme’s impact:

“The Young Enterprise NI awards offer a unique opportunity for young people to showcase their talent and develop essential skills. We’re proud to support this initiative and the incredible team committed to their success.”

Last year’s Company of the Year was awarded to Friends’ School Lisburn for their business, Bottle Up, which created handmade flowers from recycled plastic bottles to tackle plastic waste. The success of past winners underscores the programme’s role in fostering innovative thinking and real-world business skills.

Young Enterprise NI relies entirely on support from local businesses and stakeholders, receiving no public funding. Its ‘Business Backers’ programme includes major names such as Danske Bank, Bank of Ireland, A&O Shearman, Finnebrogue, Henderson Group, Dale Farm, Musgrave, Kilwaughter, and Lynas Foods. Belfast City Council has also supported the awards by providing the prestigious Great Hall for the ceremony.

As the May ceremony approaches, Larne High School’s Paws and Pieces team will be refining their pitch, hoping to claim the title of Young Enterprise NI Company of the Year 2025 and inspire others with their sustainable, pet-friendly vision.

For more information on Young Enterprise NI and how to support its work, visit www.yeni.co.uk.