A team of enterprising Lower Sixth students have launched a sustainable wrapping-paper business as part of this year’s Tycoon Enterprise Competition, joining just twelve schools across London to receive start-up funding.
The group, who chose to merge from two into one larger team “because it was much easier to construct a functioning business with more people”, have set their sights on transforming something we all use, particularly at this time of the year: wrapping paper.
“We thought wrapping paper was really boring,” Arya, the team’s Head of Marketing, explained. “There’s so much personalised stuff now, so we thought it would be much more fun if the paper had someone’s face on it or something that actually means something to the customer.”
Their business, Simply Wrapped UK, offers fully customised, eco-friendly wrapping paper using a print-on-demand partner based in the UK. Customers upload their design, the team create a digital proof, and once approved, it’s ready to print. “We’re keeping it sustainable and affordable,” said CEO Jack. “Most bespoke wrapping paper online is extortionately priced, so undercutting that was pretty easy.”
As well as bespoke options, the team plan to launch a range of ready-made designs. With Christmas approaching, they know timing is everything. “There’s so much waste at Christmas. Making it eco friendly makes a huge difference,” said Arya.
The team are currently finalising their Tycoon start-up funding, and their website is simplywrapped.co.uk – where you can register interest. A community order interest form is ready too, helping them understand what designs will be most popular before full production begins. Social media will also play a key role: “We’re pushing TikTok, Nextdoor and Facebook. The more people who see it, the better,” said Timofey, Joint Head of Marketing.
They need to sell enough products to pay back the start-up loan, and make some profit. If they succeed, they’ll head to the London finals for a chance to pitch their business at a Buckingham Palace awards event.
Miss Farr, Teacher of Economics and Business, who encouraged students to enter the competition, said, “Tycoon is a really valuable experience for students, helping them build real business skills and confidence. This group has been especially proactive, discussing and planning their business idea with enthusiasm – I’m excited to see how it develops.”
The full team is:
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