�A team of Havering schoolgirls could give contestants from TV show The Apprentice a run for their money after winning a top award for their business prowess.

The 16-17 year-olds, from Sacred Heart of Mary’s School, in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster. have been running a cake-stand company, called Azura, for a year.

‘Fantastic’

Last week they took home East London’s Best Company, after competing against eight other schools in the region. The team also won the award for Best Presentation.

Bank Old Mutual hosted the annual Young Enterprise East London Innovation Awards in central London.

Teacher Emily Todd said: “Watching Azura develop their business skills and improve their confidence levels is fantastic and the excitement that they have for their product and the business is infectious. They have learnt so much as a team and I believe the skills that they have gained from the programme will help them with their future endeavours.”

The girls recognised the growing popularity of home baking in recession-hit Britain and produced and sold handmade cake-stands with success.

The team of 14 will now go on to compete for the title of London’s Best Company pan-London finals on June 18. Martin McGloin, Young Enterprise Manager for East London, said: “With the support of their teachers and business volunteers from local communities, these students have been learning through hands-on experience what it takes to be an entrepreneur and how to run their own company. Since September 2011 they have elected a board of directors, raised share capital, marketed their brand, sourced finances and then sold products and services throughout their communities.”