STUDENTS from eight Devon schools had a chance to write a marketing strategy and radio jingle for local businesses at Exeter College’s Enterprise Day.

A total of 48 students in eight teams took part in the college-sponsored event on November 13 aimed at giving 14 and 15-year-olds experience of working with companies. The schools were: St James’ School, West Exe Technology College, St Peter’s C of E School, Isca College, all in Exeter, Clyst Vale Community College in Broadclyst, King’s School, Ottery St Mary, and Cullompton Community College. Each team was paired with a business partner.

The companies taking part were: John Holt Beds, Exeter, Brown’s Bistro, Sidmouth, The Globe Hotel, Topsham, Winstons Bar and Restaurant in Seaton, Frances Canning Solicitors, Exeter, Timepiece, Alphington Fast Fit, Marsh Barton and Two Valleys Landscapes, near Thorverton.

Students had a chance to meet their business partner and a) discuss a marketing campaign to promote the business b) write a radio jingle for the business The students then used state-of-the-art recording facilities at Exeter College to create and record their jingles. Representatives from Exeter College, Gemini FM and Devon Federation of Small Businesses then judged the marketing presentations and jingles.

Isca College who worked with Timepiece won the prize for best marketing strategy and jingle. Their jingle will now be aired on Gemini FM four times a day for the next month. The winning students will also enjoy a tour of the radio station as part of their prize. Chris Lorimer, head of business and marketing at Exeter College, said: “This was a great opportunity for students to get hands-on experience working with local companies to create marketing strategies. “They also had the chance to write and record radio jingles using the first-class media technology facilities at Exeter College.”