A COMPETITION to test the business skills of local students is being backed by Town tycoon Dean Hoyle.

The multi-millionaire will be guest speaker when the Galpharm Stadium hosts Umph! – a new competition to hone the entrepreneurial flair of young people.

The competition invites 16 to 19-year-olds to compete in a virtual business game.

And they are certain to get some inspiration from the Mirfield-based businessman, who built up greeting card and gift store chain Card Factory before selling the company for about £350m.

Mr Hoyle said: “I’m honoured to be fully supporting this inaugural business competition.

“I’ve experienced fantastic business success in my lifetime and hope I can offer a little inspiration to young people across the region.”

He added: “Hosting the business competition at our stadium is the perfect fit. I’m passionate about football.

“Success – in business or sports – is all about expectations. Life is about expectations – you need vision and goals. Hosting the competition in a sporting arena is a good fit.

“In business, as well as sport, it’s about learning from the mistakes of yesteryear and building for a long-term sustainable future.

“That’s what I want to achieve with Huddersfield Town, and that’s what we should be doing for our future business leaders.”

The students will compete in teams of four, playing SimVenture – a multi-award winning virtual game that replicates what its like to start a business from scratch, from sorting out the finances and hiring and firing to putting together a sales and marketing strategy.

Umph! is organised by financial advisors Grant Thornton as part of its Educate to Innovate programme which forges links between education and business in Yorkshire.

Winners of the competition, which takes place on June 16, will receive an iPad, a personal copy of SimVenture and the Umph! 2011 Trophy.

A special prize will also go to the person demonstrating the most enterprising flair on the day.

The event is sponsored by Huddersfield Town, Kirklees College, Huddersfield University, Fantastic Media, Kirklees Council, Lick Group and Sainsbury’s.

Schools can sign up their team of four online at www.umph.uk.com.

Entries must be submitted by March 31, 2011.Š