STUDENTS from around the area were brought together last week to take part in a speed networking challenge hosted by the Royal Agricultural University.

More than 250 students from Cirencester College, Deer Park School and Kingshill School and the university took part in the event on September 30, which challenged participants to meet, students from another educational establishment, members of staff and business people.

Students taking part also had the opportunity to get involved in a sponsored pitching competition, and pitch their business idea to a judge from the Federation of Small Businesses.

Enterprise Coordinator at the university, Katherine Duke, said: “The networking challenge was a huge success and feedback from the event has been fantastic. It provided a platform for students from across Cirencester to come together and develop a key employability skill whilst interacting with local businesses which will hopefully stand them all in good stead in the future.”

The winner of the pitching competition was Callum Trimmer from Cirencester College with his interactive whiteboard game, and Amy Clark from the RAU with her tweed cape idea.

Both students received Amazon vouchers to the value of £100 from the Federation of Small Businesses.

Innovation and Enterprise Manager at Cirencester College, Hannah Clark, said: “After the positive feedback we received from students and businesses last year it was an easy decision to run the event again. Changing the format enabled the students to speak to even more people and gave them a chance to test themselves in unfamiliar territory. Events like these are essential for building student confidence and giving them a more well-rounded education.”