A sixth form student from Alderley Edge has launched an entrepreneurial venture in time for Christmas with his fellow students at Manchester Grammar School (MGS).
Sixteen year-old Tom Craig is legal director of CaseM, a company he has established with four of his friends. Using MGS facilities and under the guidance of the Young Enterprise scheme, they have developed a series of bespoke greetings cards and wrapping paper.
They began selling their designs at Chorlton market and the Christmas markets in Manchester. The demand was so great that the team has now secured an exclusive contract with the Manchester branch of national stationers Ryman, run by fellow entrepreneur and Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis.
Tom, who lives on Beechfield Road and is currently studying History, Politics, Economics and Geography at MGS, said: "We are absolutely delighted with our achievements and the positive response of all of our customers. To have turned the demand into an order from Ryman's is something we're very proud of and we would like to thank our school and Young Enterprise for their support."
The team is now focusing on expansion plans for 2012 with the rollout of bespoke laptop cases for businesses, details of which they'll unveil in the New Year. Tom's role of legal director will be crucial as he added: "I am responsible for ensuring that all our legal responsibilities are covered and that we comply with regulations.
"My role includes the signing of contracts, providing certificates of insurance and importantly that we don't infringe copyright something which will be important for the next stage of the business."
High Master, Dr Christopher Ray said: "I found these young men really impressive when I listened to their business plans earlier this term. Many Old Mancunians have made a terrific impact in the business world and we appear to have here a new generation of entrepreneurs snapping at their heels."
Photo: Tom Craig and Akeel Malik.
