THESE bright sparks could give Lord Sugar's apprentices a run for their money as they turn £250 into £3,500 to help poorly or disabled children enjoy an adventure holiday full of animal magic.

A team of hi-fliers at Horwich-based electrical online retailer AO.com are using their boardroom skills to raise money for a charity which provides holidays for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children living in the North West by setting-up a not-for-profit making online venture selling stunning animal themed jewellery and accessories.

And since launching the online enterprise, Ark Accessories, at the start of last month, the team have already raised £400, with items already selling well and people's thoughts turn to gifts.

The six-strong team were set the apprentice-type challenge after being identified as 'future leaders of the business'.

They had to undergone a rigorous application process to be accepted on to the company's Star Programme. A total of 12 people were accepted on the programme.

Emily Burnside, tax accountant, said: "We decided that for our team, the most important thing was that we chose a charity that we were all passionate about and where £3.5k would really make a difference. "We also wanted to work with a local charity for this very reason. We agreed on The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust; it’s a holiday camp based in Altrincham which provides free holidays to children based in the North West. It’s aimed at children who are extremely poorly or disabled, but also caters to children who may have suffered abuse during their lives. £3.5k would pay for a week’s holiday for five to six children and their parents/carers, and we are hoping that we will be able to support a local family/community group."

She added: "We decided that we wanted our products to link back to the charity, and have invested in sterling silver animal themed jewellery, but will hopefully start to branch out into other areas — eg stationery, but still with an animal theme."

Emily, aged 29, a former Canon Slade pupil who lives in Blackrod, says the jewellery is aimed at all pockets, with the sterling silver range making perfect Christmas gifts and keepsakes.

As part of their research, the team also had a chance to visit ASOS in London, meeting with the head of buying, and got advice on how to reach more people through social media.

Emily said the team received positive feedback from the items they were selling.

Emily said: “We shortlisted the charities and we are hoping to volunteer with the other two because we could only choose one.

“Our last presentation to senior management will be in February but we are hoping to keep the business going after that.”

She added: “It has been a lot harder than I thought it would be, there have been stumbling blocks but we have overcome them. We chose a charity we were all passionate about so it would make us work harder.”

The jewellery and accessories can be bought by visiting https://www.instagram.com/ark.accessories/

https://www.facebook.com/Arkcessories/

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ArkAccessories?ref=shop_sugg

www.arkaccessories.co.uk