Congratulations to ArthEsy from Ballakermeen High School who have been named HSBC Student Company of the Year!
ArthEsy impressed the judges with their winning business idea to develop a range of tools for people suffering with arthritis.
They became aware of the issue after the grandmother of one of the students identified a problem holding a knife to cut vegetables.
Arthritis affects the lives of 350 million and can severely limit someone’s ability to perform routine tasks and diminish independence.
In response, the team developed affordable, functional tools designed to empower those with joint pain, helping them regain autonomy and rediscover the simple joys of life.
They joined more than 120 students from Isle of Man high schools who competed in a one-day event at the Villa Marina.
Since September, Year 12 students have been forming and developing their business ideas as part of the Junior Achievement Company Programme.
The entrepreneurial adventure provides young people with a range of valuable skills to take into the workplace and has been running on the Isle of Man for more than 30 years.
Throughout their journey, a Volunteer Business Mentor supports each student company. They are not alone in their experience – 360,000 students across Europe participate in the Junior Achievement Company Programme annually, gaining essential skills such as teamwork, problem solving, financial literacy and business acumen that prepare them for future careers.
This summer, the winning student companies from 41 countries will come together for GEN-E, Europe’s Largest Entrepreneurship Festival, held in Athens, Greece, from 1 – 3 July 2025. ArthEsy will represent the Isle of Man with the hope of taking away the European Award.
Sue Cook, CEO of JA, said, “We are delighted that HSBC locally supports this fantastic programme. Without its collaboration, we would not be able to offer this experience to students.
“It is wonderful to witness first-hand the development of these individuals as they progress and move forward during the programme.
“In the past, students have used the experience on their CV to gain university placements or employment. Some have gone on to start their own businesses. An example of this is Callum Staley, a past winner of the Isle of Man competition. He has since gone on to set up CJS Photography and is a judge for the local finals. Stories like these show how impactful this experience can be for young entrepreneurs.”
Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, Adam Belfield, added: “HSBC is extremely proud to once again sponsor the Junior Achievement Company Programme. Supporting young people to develop and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit is incredibly rewarding and it has been a delight and honour to follow the growth of this year’s cohort.”
