A GROUP of students from St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope are celebrating today (Wednesday, 20 March) after being named winners of the 'Next Top Boss' competition run by Thurrock Council.

Thurrock's Next Top Boss is an annual competition that gives young people aged 14 to 25 years old the opportunity to work with local employers on real business challenges. 

This year marked the 14th year of the competition and was partnered by Trunk Logistics; a removal and storage company based in Grays. 

Students were set the challenge of developing social media advertisements to encourage commercial businesses and residents to use Trunk Logistics services. 

Following several impressive submissions, students from Grays Convent High School, Olive Academy, Ortu Hassenbrook Academy, St Clere's School, Orsett Health Academy and Hathaway Academy were in attendance as the result was announced at an award ceremony which was hosted by The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Little at Aveley Football Club 

The winning team from St Clere's flanked by Yvonne Evans (left), Enterprise Coordinator for the Greater Essex Careers Hub, and Jo Sedley-Burke, Managing Director of Trunk Logistics. also pictured is St Clere's careers lead Andrew Salmon.

In what was a closely-contested competition, Team 'Tusk Force' from St Clere's School was awarded first place following their unique, creative and well-researched social media plan. A team of students from Olive Academy were awarded the runners-up position. 

All students who took part have been offered a reference for future job applications and will be able to use the experience on their CV when applying for future jobs. 

 Joanna Sedley, Burke Trunk Logistics Managing Director, said: "We have thoroughly enjoyed being the programme partner for this year's edition of Thurrock's Next Top Boss. We set students a real challenge that many businesses, including our own, face. 

Olive Academy, pictured with Yvonne Evans (left), Enterprise Coordinator for the Greater Essex Careers Hub, and Jo Sedley-Burke, Managing Director of Trunk Logistics, were runners-up.

"We have been really impressed with the creativity students have shown and would like to say well done to all of the groups that took part. 

"Team 'Tusk Force' from St Clere's School provided us with an amazing submission using different mediums, the social media posts demonstrated excellent research, uniqueness and creativity." 

Cabinet member for education Cllr Adam Carter said: "With this year being the 14th year of Thurrock's Next Top Boss, it has been fantastic to see continued interest from our young residents get involved and have a positive impact on Thurrock's local businesses.  

"Congratulations to Team 'Tusk Force' from St Clere's School on winning this year's award. I have been impressed with the quality of submissions from all of this year's contestants. 

"Through completing the challenge, all the students that have taken part have put themselves in a great position for future employment with the references and business experience they have gained."