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

A pioneering schools business competition that has helped inspire and develop Northern Ireland’s next generation of business talent is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of collaboration between education and industry.

Established in partnership by Queen’s Business School, BDO NI and Henderson Group, the annual competition brings together teams of AS Level students from schools across Northern Ireland to tackle a real-world business challenge. Each year, students are presented with a question developed by university academics and BDO NI exploring a specific business issue within the context of local success story Henderson Group.
                

Pictured L-R: Claire Scott McAteer, Senior Lecturer of Practice Accounting Queen’s Business School, Lúiseach Burke, Jayne Fitzgerald, Programme Manager Qualifications at CCEA, Laura Jackson, Partner & Head of Audit at BDO NI, Professor Danielle McConville, Head of the Accounting Department at Queen’s Business School and Billy Moore, Group Finance Director at Henderson Group.

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

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

Working collaboratively in teams, students are challenged to analyse business issues, consider the wider economic landscape and implications for sustainability, develop innovative and commercially informed solutions, and present their recommendations to an audience of business professionals, academics and their peers. Alongside strengthening their subject knowledge, participants gain practical experience in teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving and public speaking, skills that are increasingly important in today’s evolving business environment.

BDO NI has played an integral role in the initiative since its inception, working alongside Queen’s Business School and Henderson Group to create a meaningful bridge between education and the workplace.

Laura Jackson, Partner and Head of Audit at BDO NI said,

“Reaching the 10-year milestone is something we are incredibly proud of. From the outset, this challenge has been about more than just business studies and about giving young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, think creatively and see how the knowledge they develop in the classroom translates into the real world.

“For us, being involved has also been an opportunity to invest in the future of Northern Ireland’s business community. 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, and we hope the experience helps them recognise the opportunities open to them and gives them the confidence to pursue them.

“We are delighted to have worked alongside Queen’s Business School and Henderson Group for the past decade, and we are grateful to the teachers who encourage their students to take part, as well as 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 helps to create.”

The competition’s impact extends beyond the event itself, with students gaining valuable experience of working to a brief, collaborating under pressure and communicating ideas in a professional setting. For teachers, it provides an opportunity to bring business education to life, reinforcing the relevance of the curriculum through direct engagement with industry and higher education.

As the initiative celebrates its 10th anniversary, the experiences of former participants offer a valuable perspective on the difference the competition can make.

Lúiseach Burke, a previous challenge winner and former student of St Mary’s Grammar Magherafelt, is now currently doing placement year in Oxford Economics as part of her Economics and Accountancy degree at Queens Business School.

Lúiseach reflected on the initiative’s influence on her career trajectory:

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

Having the opportunity to step outside the classroom, apply theory to a practical, hands-on challenge and work alongside like-minded students was incredibly valuable. I particularly enjoyed experiencing a more collaborative side of business beyond my studies. Sharing ideas and approaching unfamiliar tasks encouraged me to think differently, develop my problem-solving skills and step outside my comfort zone.

The Challenge has had a lasting impact on my career development. It has been a great talking point during professional interviews and conversations, allowing me to demonstrate my willingness to challenge myself, work hard and show initiative beyond the classroom. As someone in the early stages of their career, I have found this particularly valuable. I have also developed lasting connections with professionals at BDO, gaining insights into their experiences, career paths and the wider industry.

Taking part was an incredibly rewarding experience and played an important role in encouraging me to pursue a career in the industry. I couldn't recommend it enough!”

The continued success of the competition reflects the strength of the partnership behind it. Henderson Group provides the real-world business context, Queen’s Business School brings academic expertise, and BDO NI contributes professional insight and practical business experience to create an engaging and valuable learning opportunity for students.

Billy Moore, Group Finance Director at Henderson Group commented:

“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 with BDO Northern Ireland and Henderson Group, 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 and how the initiative complements the curriculum and develops students' skills in business studies and other related business and economic subjects.

Jayne FitzGerald, Programme Manager Qualifications at CCEA adds:

“It is a privilege for CCEA to be involved with the NI Schools’ Business Challenge which celebrates the collaboration of qualifications, business acumen and the world of work.  Over the 10 years, the standard of presentations, enthusiasm and talent of the AS Business Studies students never ceases to amaze.  It is great to see the skills and knowledge acquired in classrooms transfer to the world of industry”.

As those behind the challenge look ahead to the next chapter, the 10-year milestone is an opportunity to recognise everyone who has contributed to the programme’s success, from the students who have embraced the challenge and the teachers who have championed their participation, to the academics, business professionals and organisers who have supported the initiative over the years.

A decade on, the competition remains focused on the same ambition that brought its organisations together, helping young people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to shape the future of business in Northern Ireland.

Schools interested in participating in the 2027 NI Schools’ Business Challenge on 17^th February can contact Claire Scott McAteer at Queen’s Business School via c.scottmcateer@qub.ac.uk