Wilmslow Express, Cheshire Independent, Altrincham & Hale Independent; AlderleyEdge.com, Macclesfield Express, Sale & Altrincham Messenger, Sale & Altrincham Advertiser, Knutsford Guardian, Oldham Evening Chronicle
December 2011

Five Sixth Form students from The Manchester Grammar School have launched an entrepreneurial venture in time for Christmas.

16-year-old Akeel Malik, is Managing Director of CaseM, a company he has established with four of his friends. Using MGS facilities and under the guidance of the Young Enterprise scheme, they have developed a series of bespoke greetings cards and wrapping paper.

They began selling their designs at Chorlton market and the Christmas markets in Manchester. The demand was so great that the team has now secured an exclusive contract with the Manchester branch of national stationers Ryman, run by fellow entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Akeel, who lives in Wilmslow, and studying  A-level maths, further maths, economics and English, said: We are absolutely delighted with our achievements and the positive response of all of our customers. To have turned the demand into an order from Ryman’s is something we’re very proud of and we would like to thank our School and Young Enterprise for their support.

16-year-old Tom Craig from Alderley Edge, is Legal Director. Tom is studying history, politics, economics and geography.  He commented:  I am responsible for ensuring that all our legal responsibilities are covered and that we comply with regulations. My role includes the signing of contracts, providing certificates of insurance and importantly that we don't infringe copyright.

Mike Eccleston, 17, is Director of Operations. Mike, who lives in Hale and is currently studying A-level chemistry, art, maths and biology in MGS Sixth Form, said:  It's my responsibility to oversee the production process; the ability to get things done is important especially when it comes to the logistics.

Also 17 is Jason Wong from Knutsford.  He said: My role as Finance Director is to ensure that we gain the best value from our product.  I collect and manage the money utilising spreadsheets. It's a great opportunity to use the skills l have learnt studying A-level Maths and Further Maths and be able to apply them in a practical way.  Jason is also studying physics and economics

16-year-old Rohin Aojula from Oldham is Head of Design.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to use my Photoshop skills I learnt during my GCSE Art last year and come up with the designs for the wrapping paper, enthused Rohin.  I am now studying economics in Sixth Form and would love to set up my own business one day.  Rohin is also studying biology, chemistry and maths at A-level.

The team is now focusing on expansion plans for 2012 with a rollout of bespoke laptop cases for businesses, details of which they will unveil in the New Year.

High Master, Dr Christopher Ray, at the School said:  I found these young men really impressive when I listened to their business plans earlier this term. Many Old Mancunians have made a terrific impact in the business world and we appear to have here a new generation of entrepreneurs snapping at their heels.

The CaseM merchandise will be available at Ryman’s in Manchester Arndale from Wednesday 7 December.

CAPTION: ( Lto R) Rohin, Tom, Akeel, Mike and Jason

Read the Oldham version on line here