A group of students from Greenhead College were crowned winners of a business competition bringing together teams from schools and colleges across Yorkshire.

The day-long Umph! event – organised by business advisory firm Grant Thornton – tested students’ teamwork, decision-making ability and entrepreneurial skills by putting them in charge of “virtual” businesses and challenging them to liaise with banks, customers and suppliers in order to make it a success.

The winning team of Ed Barnes, Jacob Saunders, Julia Charytoniuk and Jay Littlewood impressed local entrepreneurs with their enthusiasm during the event, which was held at Kirklees College in Huddersfield.

Dan Lockwood, also from Greenhead College, who took part with another team, walked away with the “most entrepreneurial” award.

The experts on hand to advise the teams included Jane and Lucy Batham, owners of award-winning Leeds artisan bakery Tarte and Berry; Kate Mallinson, founder of Lindley-based Scriba PR; and adventurer Tim Moss, of The Next Challenge.

Andy Wood, managing partner at Grant Thornton, said: “Grant Thornton believes that the creators of tomorrow’s vibrant economy are in schools, colleges or further education today. We are passionate about fostering young talent and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. We’re proud that we’ve been able to run Umph! for the past five years and will continue to do so, to support students towards recognising their full potential for success.”

Kate Mallinson, of Scriba PR, said: “It’s a pleasure to get involved in inspirational projects like Umph! There is no doubt that I met a number of young people who will go on to change the face of the business environment in our region and beyond.

“I was blown away by the entrepreneurial ideas, energy and enthusiasm in the room. If we can help encourage young people to turn their ideas into a reality and achieve great things in the process, then that’s definitely time well spent.”