MANX Telecom has told a group of students from St Ninian's High School "you're hired" following a BBC Apprentice style business challenge.

BizWhizz – a group of nine year 12 pupils from the school – secured a contract with the company as part of the Enterprise Challenge - which gives students £200 to invest in a business which they create.

BizWhizz approached Manx Telecom with the idea of creating keyrings and coins for supermarket trolleys which featured the company's new logo.

In a similar style to the BBC programme The Apprentice the team were then invited to pitch to Manx Telecom where they were assessed by a panel from the company who examined their financial competency, management skills, leadership, sales and marketing, presentation skills and teamwork.

David Smith, marketing director at Manx Telecom, took the role of Lord Sugar and was aided by Gavin Smith, marketing communications supervisor, and marketing executive Marg McGee.

Following negotiations BizWhizz managed to secure an order for 1,500 supermarket trolley coins and keyrings which the company will use as promotional items.

David Smith said: "We were all very impressed with the presentation made by BizWhizz and delighted to award them the contract.

"The Enterprise Challenge project is a great way for students to learn about business in a practical way and we wanted to make the exercise as realistic as possible by challenging the team to produce the right product at the right price.

"They were all very professional in their approach and we wish them the best of luck in their final presentation."

Tony Roberts, subject leader of business education at St Ninian's High School, said: "The BizWhizz team have worked very hard to secure this deal. It is a testament to their determination that such a large order has been agreed. Now it is a case of ensuring the order is delivered on time and to the required specification."

There are five teams taking part in the St Ninian's Enterprise Challenge this term. They will go head to head on December 9 when an overall winner will be declared.