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Primary pupils launch smoothie start-up

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Budding entrepreneurs from a Bradford primary school have launched their own smoothie business thanks to support from the University of Bradford.

Three school pupils stand around a table as they fill up a mixer which is making smoothies

Year 6 pupils from St Stephen’s CE Primary School’s Polly Fruits business has been brought to life through the University’s entrepreneur ecosystem programme.

The pupils received a £1,000 investment award from University’s Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) to fund their healthy drinks start-up, which they have used to purchase seeds, ingredients, a blender and equipment including a wheelbarrow to support their juice and smoothie-making business. 

A group of school children and adults stand around a wooden table which has large drinks containers and plastic drinks cartons on it

Sonya Bachra-Byrne, Enterprise Development Manager for BREE, and University of Bradford MBA graduate, said: “Enterprise is about spotting opportunities and turning ideas into action.  

“The students at St Stephen’s have done exactly that. Their creativity, confidence and teamwork are inspiring, this is what the next generation of leadership looks like.” 

BREE’s programme is designed to encourage pupils from the schools to create a venture that brings in revenue for the school which is delivered by the pupils. 

Taste of entrepreneurship 

Jamie Thorpe, Assistant Headteacher at St Stephen’s CE Primary School, said: “It’s been amazing to give the children a real taste of entrepreneurship. They’ve loved every second, from planning and pitching to making sales and refining their ideas. It’s helped them think about their futures in a whole new way.” 

A group of children dressed in school uniform pose for a photograph behind a fence with their school teacher with a school building behind them

What is Polly Fruits? 

The business idea began when the pupils, aged 10 and 11, noticed staff often drinking coffee, and decided to offer a healthier alternative. Their smoothies have already been a hit with customers at school events. 

To support their business journey, BREE has paired the pupils with a mentor from its Core programme, someone with experience in launching a zero-waste juice company, to provide ongoing business guidance. 

The team has also planted seeds at school to support future smoothie production and are preparing for a visit to a local farmers’ market to learn more about setting up and running a small business. 

About the BREE Schools Programme 

St Stephen’s took part in a pitch competition at the University’s Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem’s (BREE) School Entrepreneurship Programme alongside Hanson Academy and IQRA Primary Academy. Pupils presented their ventures, designed to support their school communities. 

St Stephen’s was awarded £1,000, while Hanson and IQRA each received £500 to develop their ideas. 

A wooden table with two large containers with smoothie drinks in them with a mixer in the middle and in front are a number of plastic drinking cups

About BREE 

BREE is the University of Bradford’s inclusive business support programme, open to students, staff, and the wider community. It forms part of the University’s ambition to become the UK’s number one destination for entrepreneurship. 

The Polly Fruits initiative at St Stephen’s CE Primary School exemplifies the University of Bradford’s Strategy 2025-2035 by putting students first, widening access, and fostering inclusive learning. Through BREE, the University empowers young learners with entrepreneurial skills, aligning with its mission to drive sustainable social and economic development. 

By mentoring pupils and investing in their ideas, the University demonstrates its commitment to transformative experiences and community impact, nurturing future talent and leadership.