Lower Sixth Form Economists win top award

Institute of Directors Essay Competition

How can business respond to the green agenda whilst still remaining competitive?

A very well researched and compelling essay written by Anthony Barron and Patrick Harte (Lower Sixth Economists) won this years competition. Their argument was that any forward looking business had to respond now if it was to remain competitive in the future. Along the way they were able to produce evidence that businesses with a sound environmental policy benefited in many ways: good public relations, greater added value, access to more finance, improved staff morale; easier recruitment.

The essay was singled out for the clever use of case studies to support a very ‘green’ and sustainable approach to business that many directors still shy away from; believing it to be too costly. Anthony and Patrick were able to see beyond this short term view and recognise that efficiency and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

Their prize was 10 tickets to this year’s Institute of Directors Convention, held at the Royal Albert Hall, with a face value of several thousand pounds.

IOD Annual Convention 2007
Held in the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall, with a long list of distinguished speakers, the event was an enjoyable and educating experience. Speakers included:
• Nikesh Arora of Google Corporation
• Jacqueline Gold, Chief Executive of Ann Summers
• John Madejski, Chairman of Reading Football Club
• José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
• Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE
The theme of the day was coping with change, with a particular emphasis on the environment. Not surprisingly, much of what was said related directly to either the Economics or Business Studies A-level course and will be of great benefit to those students who attended.