A TALENTED group of Evesham school pupils who set up a company selling jams and chutneys have said mentoring by a local businessman was invaluable.

Peter Heming, managing director of Heming Group in Willersey, near Broadway, acted as official advisor to the nine budding entrepreneurs from Prince Henry’s High School, who launched Henry’s Preserves as part of the Young Enterprise (YE) scheme.

The youngsters were recently voted overall runners-up at the YE Herefordshire and Worcestershire finals, as well as winners of the team work award, after winning the qualifying trophy and prize for the best use of IT and Technology.

In March they won ‘best overall company’ prize at the Young Enterprise South Worcestershire Spring Fair.

Mr Heming said: “I gain enormous satisfaction from this advisory role.

"This is a very talented team of youngsters with a bright future.

"I pass on advice about how to run a business, including marketing skills, and how to remain focused.

"For me it’s about giving something back to the local community.

"I have acted as a YE Advisor to four local schools over the last six years.”

Faith Williamson, the 16-year-old managing director of Henry’s Preserves, said: “We were really pleased to have progressed far in the YE competition and the support and encouragement we have received from an experienced businessman like Peter Heming has been invaluable.”

The Henry’s Preserves food range is sold at farm shops and street fairs across the Vale and Worcestershire.

The Henry’s Preserves range included caramelised onion chutney, chilli sauce, mixed fruit jam, spiced apple chutney, apple and pear jam, tomato chutney and orange marmalade.

They are made with ethically sourced ingredients before being packaged in sterilised jars.