Updated 10th March 2011

Withington's business 'Apprentices' have emerged winners from more than 40 companies from Manchester schools who competed at the Young Enterprise Trade Fair at the Trafford Centre.

Young Enterprise Company Yum with their mentors

The triumphant team – Yum – who designed an original children's cook book featuring healthy eating recipes – had earlier been awarded a prize of £100 for coming out top in the Dragon's Den phase of the Young Enterprise competition at the city offices of accountants Ernst & Young on Wednesday 9th February. Nineteen companies from schools across the city took part at that stage.

Two companies from Withington participated at the Trafford Centre, Yum and Embark – who market customised USBs and cards for all occasions, and products from both companies sold well.

Young Enterprise coordinator, Mrs Catherine Ositelu, said: "At at the Dragon's Den, all the contestants were asked to present their companies and answer challenging questions posed by three judges from the world of business. Both our companies were well prepared, looked very smart and impressed the judges with their understanding of business and their entrepreneurial skills. And at the Trafford Centre both stands were excellent, but Yum were declared best overall company and presented with an impressive silver trophy."

Members of Young Enterprise company Embark

The next round involves a presentation evening on 30th March at the offices of HSBC bank in Spinningfields in the city centre, where contestants will be judged on company reports, display stands and overall product.

From their cook book – YE company Yum