NI Schools’ Business Challenge celebrates 10 years of developing Northern Ireland’s future business talent

A pioneering schools business competition, that has helped inspire and develop Northern Ireland’s next generation of business talent is celebrating a decade of collaboration between education and industry.

Established by Queen’s Business School, BDO NI and Henderson Group, the annual NI Schools’ Business Challenge brings together AS Level students from schools across Northern Ireland to tackle a real-world business challenge. The tenth Challenge will take place on 17th February 2027 at Riddel Hall, Belfast and registration is now open.

Designed to complement the CCEA A-Level Business Studies curriculum, the competition gives students the opportunity to put classroom knowledge into practice, applying business principles to a practical challenge while gaining insight into the opportunities and complexities of the commercial world.

Over the past decade, the initiative has welcomed close to 1,000 students, providing young people with the opportunity to develop skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their education and future careers.

BDO NI has played an integral role in the initiative since its inception, helping create a meaningful bridge between education and the workplace.

Laura Jackson, Partner and Head of Audit at BDO NI said: “We have seen successive groups of students bring fresh perspectives, impressive ideas and real enthusiasm to the challenges they are presented with. Their ability to question, analyse and think differently is a reminder of the talent we have here. We hope the experience gives them the ability to recognise opportunities and the confidence to pursue them.

“We are grateful for the partnership of Queen’s Business School and Henderson Group for the past decade, for the teachers who encourage their students to participate, and for everyone who gives their time and expertise to make the competition possible. We look forward to seeing the next generation build on the foundations this experience creates.”

Lúiseach Burke, a previous NI Schools’ Business Challenge winner and former student of St Mary’s Grammar Magherafelt, is currently completing a placement year in Oxford Economics as part of her Economics and Accountancy degree at Queen’s Business School.

“My team and I took part in the NI Schools Business Challenge back in 2023, a highlight of my sixth-form experience and something that continues to benefit me today,” Lúiseach comments.

“Sharing ideas and approaching unfamiliar tasks encouraged me to think differently, develop my problem-solving skills and step outside my comfort zone. Taking part was an incredibly rewarding experience and played an important role in encouraging me to pursue a career in this industry. I couldn't recommend it enough!”

Billy Moore, Group Finance Director at Henderson Group adds:

“Each year we are so impressed by the participants’ innovative thinking and entrepreneurial skills. Gaining this real-world experience will be an eye opener for the next generation of business leaders and I would encourage schools to register their business students for this valuable experience.

“Henderson Group is very proud to continue to support this initiative, and we’re delighted to celebrate 10 years of the challenge. We’re so grateful to everyone involved, making this possible year on year and we look forward to seeing what the years ahead bring for this initiative and to watch the students’ journey into the world of business in Northern Ireland.” 

Professor Danielle McConville, Head of the Accounting Department at Queen’s Business School said:

“The success of the NI Schools' Business Challenge over the past decade is a powerful example of what can be achieved when education and industry come together. Through our longstanding partnership, we have helped hundreds of young people gain valuable real-world experience, develop key skills and begin to imagine their future potential. At Queen's Business School, we are passionate about creating opportunities that inspire the next generation and support our mission to develop principled and effective leaders driven to make positive change.”

CCEA have also supported the Challenge since its inception. Jayne FitzGerald, Programme Manager Qualifications at CCEA adds:

“It is a privilege for CCEA to be involved with this initiative, which celebrates the collaboration of qualifications, business acumen and the world of work.  The standard of presentations, enthusiasm and talent of the students never ceases to amaze.  It is great to see the skills and knowledge acquired in classrooms transfer to the world of industry”.

Schools interested in participating in the 2027 NI Schools’ Business Challenge can contact Claire Scott McAteer at Queen’s Business School via [email protected]