Priory bosses talk business with Year 10 enterprise pupils

This week, Mr Eastham, Mrs Barker, Mr Gee and Mr Bolton delivered a presentation to Year 10 Business students. 

The Priory leaders’ focus was to provide an insight to students on the operations of their Community Interest Company, PPA Facilities. Set up as a Private Limited Company by guarantee, the not-for-profit entity has been created to benefit the school and the wider community by providing an exceptional range of sports, leisure and business-use facilities at an affordable price. They detailed how the addition of a new online booking system has allowed a smooth transition from the previous operators. The company now benefits from a fully booked schedule each week with profits being reinvested into the needs of our school. 

ICT and Business & Enterprise teacher, Miss Gregson, said, “Students actively listened and completed their knowledge organisers whilst learning about the roles which Mr Eastham, Mrs Barker, Mr Gee and Mr Bolton have undertaken, how these have developed over time and the wealth of skills they bring to their extremely successful company. 

“Students also learnt about how the company measures customer satisfaction and what happens if anything goes wrong. Problem-solving looked to be a common skill shared amongst the team to move forward with any issues positively. It was also clear that Mrs Barker, who oversees the company’s finances, also works very hard to curb the enthusiasm and the eagerness of Mr Eastham and Mr Gee by keeping them in check with new opportunities they come across!“

Finally, students were informed about the external factors that challenge the company such as rising staffing and energy costs, changes in legislation, creating new opportunities for the community (such as the recent addition of the Priory Pod providing families with food and hot drinks during their time onsite at football matches, cricket and volleyball facilities) whilst keeping everything affordable in an uncertain economic climate. 

The success of the company certainly has a wonderful impact within school and the wider community with the additional investment it provides.

We really appreciated the time given by Mr Eastham, Mrs Barker, Mr Gee and Mr Bolton. We know how busy they are in school, however their commitment in providing this insight has been very much appreciated.