PPM takes part in Bright Stars business challenge for primary schools encouraging pupils to ‘Make a Difference’

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Written by PPM Ltd

PPM Limited is partnering with Hallbankgate Village School in the 2021 Bright Stars programme that challenges primary school pupils to set up their own businesses.

The innovative programme is project-managed by the Centre for Leadership Performance and partners primary schools with local companies to set up and run businesses.   But for Bright Stars 2021 the focus has shifted from making a profit – to making a difference, with the children creating marketing campaigns to champion worthwhile causes around something that matters to them.

With COVID-19 restrictions the format of the programme has switched to online and remote contact with virtual meetings taking place between the partner companies and schools.  That means we are still able to work with the children and guide and mentor them on how to set up and run their campaign, but all our direct contact will be either online or by phone.  

CfLP Executive Director Sarah Glass explains: “The Centre for Leadership Performance and its partners are determined that the programme should still go ahead in 2021 to deliver valuable and positive experiences for the children, and we are confident that our new arrangements and timings will safeguard pupils, teachers and partners while offering positive engagement and experience for the children.”

School business teams will develop marketing ideas and activities and will also compete to win funds for their schools with prizes in ten categories including best leadership and teamworking.  But most importantly pupils and their business partners will have fun!

Forty-nine schools across Cumbria are taking part in the 8-week programme which runs from May 4th to Monday 28th June, 2021.  A celebration event to recognise the achievements of the children will be held early July before the end of the Summer Term. 

All six Cumbrian MPs are also supporting the programme with personal messages to the children from Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, Carlisle MP John Stevenson, Penrith & Borders MP Dr Neil Hudson and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron:  https://www.cforlp.org.uk/programmes/bright-stars#2021 

The MPs also joined in a lovely Q&A with the children taking part in the Bright Stars programme from their constituencies on 30th April to kick start this year’s programme.  All children were given the opportunity to quiz the MP’s to find out what they do, how they make a difference in the local community and how they were going to support the children’s campaigns: https://www.cforlp.org.uk/about-us/news/

Bright Stars (now in its ninth year) is designed to introduce Cumbrian primary school children to leadership, entrepreneurship and teamwork and get them excited about the world of business in a fun accessible way.  Organised and project-managed by the Centre for Leadership Performance, it is delivered and funded in partnership with local businesses.  

The programme is delivered and funded in partnership with local businesses taking part.   For 2021 Sellafield and BAE Systems are sponsoring supply chain companies and getting their own staff to work with schools through Bright Stars.  CfLP has also secured funding from Cumbria Community Foundation to allow 20 more schools and more third sector organisations to take part.  Eight additional schools in South Cumbria have joined the programme thanks to BAE Systems’ involvement and support from long-term partners Oxley Developments and Orion Solutions.  

Children gain the opportunity to learn about key business principles like innovation, budgeting, problem solving and delivering to deadlines, while linking with core curriculum subjects such as English, maths and design & technology. It also builds confidence as they showcase hidden talents and develop new skills.

For companies, Bright Stars creates on-going links with local primary schools, connects with young people and makes them aware of what the companies do, while positively impacting communities and providing development opportunities for staff who get involved.

The changes to the format and focus mean that the programme can continue to deliver huge benefits to children and communities across the county, while ensuring the safety of everyone taking part within COVID-19 restrictions.  It will also reflect changes in the ways businesses operate with remote working and more online collaboration.  

To find out more about Bright Stars can visit https://www.cforlp.org.uk/programmes/bright-stars.html email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07843 684746 or 01900 824822

EDITORS: For more information call Chris Nelson at Trafalgar PR on 07761 930627 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Centre for Leadership Performance:

The Centre for Leadership Performance is an award-winning not-for-profit private limited leadership development company which works to develop Cumbria’s Leaders for today and tomorrow.   We work with leaders already in place to develop their leadership skills, but we also believe that supporting the talents of all our young people is vital to the future economy here in Cumbria. Working with businesses across Cumbria our fully project-managed programmes inspire today’s young people to be the leaders that Cumbria will need in future.