Beacon Hill High School, Blackpool, United Kingdom

Beacon Hill High School were one of the most successful schools involved in Achievers International during the 2008-09 programme year. They not only had two student companies of extremely enthusiastic students, but also appeared in the local and national press.

The school joined in September 2008, and set up two student companies. FairTrade FairyTale is a group of 12-13 year old girls committed to promoting ethical trading both in Blackpool and beyond. The Beacon Boys are a group of 12-13 year old boys who aim to learn more about international trade and form strong business partnerships and friendships with students abroad.

FairTrade FairyTale with their first shipment

FairTrade FairyTale were partnered with Noonkodin Secondary School in Tanzania. They imported handmade jewellery made by the students and a local women's cooperative group. This proved to be extremely popular, with many students in the school purchasing the bracelets and necklaces.  They also ordered a selection of other FairTrade products to help supplement their stock and provide a range of options for their customers.

The Beacon Boys had two partner schools, Luella High School in the USA and Gesamtschule Petershagen in Germany.  They had several video conferences with them to meet 'face-to-face' and discuss product ideas as well as place their orders.  From Luella they ordered a selection of candy bars and from Germany they imported traditional chocolates and sweets.  To both partners they exported British themed teddy bears which were very popular and sold out quickly.

In February 2009 both companies joined together to hold a trade fair to promote fair trade during FairTrade Fortnight.  The students gave presentations on their work and why fair trade is important, and guests had an opportunity to buy the products they had imported.  The Mayor of Blackpool attended the event and was amazed by the work they have been doing and how entrepreneurial the students are.  The students were also inspired by special guest Liam Rhodes, a young entrepreneur who became the youngest ever Managing Director in the UK in 2004 at the age of 15.