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The event brought together 15 teams from across the South Worcestershire region, all of which had launched and managed their own businesses this academic year as part of Young Enterprise’s Company Programme. A panel of experts assessed the young entrepreneurs’ business models before selecting four winners to advance to the Herefordshire and Worcestershire final.

Attollo Ltd won the QinetiQ-sponsored ‘Most Innovative Company’ award for its online recruitment tool that matches students’ skills to employers’ needs. The idea has received support from a number of employers in the region, and judges commended the founders on their creativity and entrepreneurship in creating an innovative and sustainable business.

Luke Harrison, Marketing Director of Attollo Ltd, representing Droitwich Spa Sixth Form Centre, said: "It's nice to have some recognition for all the hard work we've put into this company. The award is the icing on what has been a great year of entrepreneurial experiences, and motivation that we will use to continue with the company into the future."

Dionne Oliver, Innovation Senior Consultant at QinetiQ who presented the award, said: “This year’s participants demonstrated the exact qualities that companies like QinetiQ look for when recruiting. Skills like communication, teamwork, resilience, organisation and problem solving are at least as important as a technical qualification. This competition equips the next generation with the experience and confidence needed to thrive in a competitive market and I am sure the entrants will continue to succeed.”

QinetiQ is a founding member of The 5% Club, an industry-led initiative to tackle youth unemployment with 168 members. Each member is committed to ensuring at least 5% of employees are apprentices, graduates or sponsored students.

Notes for Editors

• A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its world class knowledge, research and innovation to provide high-end technical expertise and advice, to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. QinetiQ's unique position enables it to be a trusted partner to government organisations, predominantly in the UK and the US, including defence departments as well as other international customers in targeted sectors.
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