BDO Northern Ireland partnered with Queen's Business School and Henderson Group to deliver the NI Schools' Business Challenge, engaging AS and A-Level students in real-world business scenarios at Belfast's Riddel Hall. Dalriada School from Ballymoney won the competition, securing £500 for their school and a VIP experience to watch the Belfast Giants.

Business Eye reported that participants were given a challenging business brief to solve under time pressure, transforming their solutions into actionable plans for presentation to expert judges in a Dragon's Den-style format.

Laura Jackson, partner and head of audit at BDO NI, said: "Once again this event has been a fantastic showcase of the young talent across Northern Ireland. BDO NI believes passionately in encouraging the next generation to participate in subjects and opportunities that challenge their business acumen early."

She added: "Every year, we see the immense benefits of putting pupils in high-pressure situations where they must rely on teamwork, flexibility and innovation. Huge congratulations to Dalriada's team and to every participant who stepped up to this year's challenge."

Billy Moore, group finance director at Henderson Group, said: "We put forward a business challenge that was designed to bring out the best in each pupil, challenging their critical thinking and implementing their skillset in a real-world scenario. We have met some of NI's future leaders this year, and on behalf of Henderson Group, I extend hearty congratulations to Dalriada School."

The annual competition continues to bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional business practice, with support from CCEA. Claire Scott McAteer, senior lecturer of practice in accounting at Queen's Business School, noted the event involved close collaboration between industry, professional practice, CCEA, and schools across Northern Ireland.

See how BDO Northern Ireland's educational partnerships are developing future business talent through practical competition experience.