TWO secondary schools in the region triumphed at a young enterprise ceremony recently.

Berwickshire High School's Books N' Brews won the Borders Company of the Year title at the Young Enterprise Borders Company Programme final for their concept of selling pre-loved books wrapped in paper.

Jack Beal from Books N' Brews said: "We are not only grateful to have been chosen by the judges as the year's company of the year but also to have been given the opportunity to participate in the process.

"We have learned so much and have all finished the programme far more confident than we started. Thank you to everyone who bought one of our books and supported our student company. We hope that everyone keeps reading."

Meanwhile, Earlston High School's Beaded Armour won the Best Presentation 2023/2024 award.

The event, held at Galashiels Rugby Club, showcased the efforts of 23 young entrepreneurs who launched and ran their own businesses during the academic year 2023 to 2024.

The programme provides an ultimate learning-by-doing experience for students, enabling them to participate in forming and operating their own enterprises.

Students must take on roles such as managing director or sales director to gain an understanding of business.

The students had the guidance of a business advisor and volunteers providing counsel based on their insights from the enterprise world.

Paul Yuskaitis, guest speaker and representative from event supporter TriCapital Angels Limited, said: "I am always impressed with their creative business ideas, initiative, and commitment to turning their participation in the programme into a valuable learning experience.

"As a member of TriCapital Angels Limited, we are proud to sponsor and support the Young Enterprise Scotland programme, which gives young people with entrepreneurial ambitions the opportunity to experience what it is like to start a business."

Judges for the final were business owners and intrapreneurs who examined a written report, conducted an interview, and oversaw a presentation by each business.

Judge Kevin Greenfield, from DYW Borders, said: "Each year, observing how the programme equips young people with essential employability skills, from teamwork to conducting themselves in interviews, is truly rewarding.

"These skills are invaluable assets, laying a solid foundation for their careers after school."

The event sponsors were South of Scotland Enterprise, DYW Borders and TriCapital Angels Limited.