Enterprising stuff

The group called ‘Mini Coupons’ led by Pearse McKay noticed the success of GroupOn and other similar companies and felt there was a gap in the market for a local coupon booklet.

The boys felt not only would this booklet act as an advertisement for local businesses in a difficult economic climate but it would also give local people some great savings on our popular businesses.

The boys thanked the local businesses some of whom donated up to 20% off items in store and the printers Harrison Printers who supported the boys through the Journey.

Anthony Maye, assistant managing director of the group, said: “I was nervous phoning the businesses at first but gradually my confidence improved.”

They have certainly learnt a lot from this experience and admit that they felt like giving up on many occasions.

Miss Crilly facilitated the group and said: “The boys have been a credit to the school and community with their hard work and dedication. It has not been an easy road but they have learnt valuable lessons that could not be taught in the classroom.”

The boys plucked up the courage to approach the Minister for Education MLA Mr John O’Dowd at the Trade Fair in Rushmere Shopping Centre to act as their business advisor in this venture.

Mr O’Dowd kindly facilitated them with a meeting to discuss the idea and give feedback.

He was full of praise for the idea and agreed to fully endorse the coupon booklet as he felt it was an excellent product for the people of the town and a perfect example of young people using their initiative to improve themselves and their community.

The pupils will be selling the coupons at school and door to door in the local area for £2 each to cover printing expenses. The benefits to those purchasing the booklets are immediate as their initial cost can be redeemed with one coupon.