A group of students helped an East Sussex manufacturer identify thousands of pounds of cost savings as part of a work experience project.

Pupils from Brighton College helped directors at Screen Solutions in Peacehaven pinpoint ways to reduce waste during manufacturing.

The Mindshop Excellence Programme gave the students a chance to tackle a genuine business problem faced by the host company.

The students, aged 13 to 17, were shown the sharp end of business including setting and meeting targets, working to deadlines and making presentations.

By the end of the week, they had identified significant savings and Screen Solutions, one of Europe's biggest office screen-makers, will implement many of their ideas.

Paul Hopwood, of business planning specialists Mindwork, said the project had benefited the host company because it valued the recommendations the students made.

Parents and teachers won when they saw the new-found confidence of the pupils and the students won, having learnt processes and skills in problem-solving techniques that would last a lifetime.

Thursday September 02, 2004