After the success of last years design challenge run by First Partnership, we were asked if we would like to take part again this year, I jumped at the chance to be Alan Sugar for the day.

We were asked to set an apprentice style challenge for 8 teams of 5 school children aged 9 - 10 to include naming a brand, creating a character and producing packaging designs. After the much hyped 'Pants Man' from this years apprentice we decided that the product would be a breakfast cereal.

After a short introduction to the world of marketing and branding the children were given their brief and off they went to create, assisted by school staff, sixth form students, first partnership staff and myself. The ideas were flowing and the children were definately thinking 'outside the box' as they say.

The results were fantastic, each team had to present their ideas to everyone else explaining their reasons for the name, character and packaging design. Prizes were awarded for 1st and 2nd place, it was a very difficult decision as all teams had worked tremendously hard and should be very proud of their efforts.

Unlike Alan Sugar, I didn't have to fire anyone but would like to hire some of them in the future possibly, I look forward to returning next year to help inspire some budding designers.

The winners from Newlands Primary School proudly displaying their 'Forest Flakes' cereal box with Colin.