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Some-Wear Ltd.
Some_Wear Ltd. is a Business Enterprise scheme that has been operating successfully at Wath Comprehensive School, Rotherham for five years. Although legally separate from the school, it is run by pupils for pupils and parents, selling all items of school uniform. |
 Setting up the business
Some_Wear Ltd. was inspired by the school governors and put into action by Mr. John Marsden, a Business Studies teacher, and some of his students. It was established five years ago as an independent business enterprise within the school. With help from a school loan, the shop bought stock, an A3020 computer, a printer and a piece of business software called Microtrader. The software enables the students to keep records of stock and transactions and also provides receipts for customers.
Two small rooms within the school were made available for the business and within a short space of time, the shop became the main provider of uniform for all pupils. The initial loan was soon repaid and the shop now shows a reasonable profit.
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Running the business
A member of staff is technically responsible for the business, but the shop is managed and run by the students. Most of the pupils involved are studying for Business Studies qualifications. The shop provides them with the practical experience of running a small business. Ordering stock, book-keeping and stock-taking, selling the goods, and maintaining good customer relations are all part of their developing business skills.
 It is the responsibility of the pupils and staff involved to make sure Some_Wear stocks the full range of school uniform requirements for boys and girls including PE kit. The shop is open three lunchtimes and one evening each week in term time and at various times during the school holidays. Students are paid £2.50 per hour for working lunchtimes and £3.50 per hour for evenings and holidays.
Some_Wear has proved to be a success both financially and educationally.
Although sales are seasonal, as an independent trader Some_Wear Ltd. has an annual turnover of £17,000-£18,000 per year.
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