Congratulations to Renz Alvez, Liv Tregidga and Shaun Chalmers-Banks of ATTYR who won the 'Connect and Collaborate Award' at the Young Enterprise Scheme Regional Finals last Thursday night. It was not just their sandals made from recycled tyres that impressed the judges, but also the way they have conducted their business.

Throughout the year we have been following the Level 3 Business Studies company 'ATTYR' who have been working on building and promoting their company, marketing and selling their products and along the way, taking part in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) for 2020. Being involved in YES has involved meeting a number of challenges and deadlines throughout the year, including a 'dragon's den' style pitch to a panel of judges in June where they were marked on their business idea, marketing, innovation, production and finance development. 

After recently completing all five challenges, ATTYR was named as one of the four top scoring finalists for the Top of the South region, giving them the opportunity to compete at the regional final pitch last Thursday night at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts. With their sandals made from recycled tyres, ATTYR were competing against 'Knotted' from Nelson College for Girls with recycled fabric headwear and masks, 'Pathways to Primary' from Waimea College, a card game to raise awareness of jobs in primary industries and 'Natures Hands' from Marlborough Girls College with serving boards made from recycled wood.

While ATTYR did not make it through to the nationals, they were 'very happy' to receive the 'Connect and Collaborate Award' which acknowledges the way the group have positively engaged and connected with a wide variety of manufacturers, business owners, mentors, other schools and the wider public. 

"We are so grateful that people saw and acknowledged how much we thought and care for our community," said Renz. "Although we didn't win the regionals, we know we did and gave our fully best and we are so happy that we've got that far in the competition especially going through many challenges." 

Trina Zimmerman, YES Coordinator for Nelson, was keen to make sure the students had a record of what was said to the group as they walked to the stage to receive their award. She sent them the following quote from the presenter's speech:

"Attyr's annual review was exemplary, but what is not fully documented in it is the positive sentiment from those who have dealt with this company through their journey. They have fully embraced opportunities to work with others, from Frank their amazing mentor, Arko of Cutting Edge Signs, their manufacturers Korkers in Hamilton, getting recognition from Nelson MP Nick Smith, Pic Picot gave them shoe making tips, Jack their supplier from Jack's tyres has been so impressed by this team he suggested they enter the Chamber Business Awards.
The 3 Nayland College YES companies worked closely together throughout the year, recognising the strength of numbers and were the most successful teams in the region to attend many markets together, not allowing Covid to hold them back. Prior to lockdown Attyr was creating a concept to work with all local schools and have interschool markets, this demonstrates their strong understanding of collaboration. Their teacher Murray King’s observation is the members of this company have grown and learnt way beyond what can be marked in NCEA and YES and that is from gaining confidence from working and connecting with others in their community."

Renz, Liv and Shaun would like to acknowledge Tom Moreu and Amanda Merylees who were both part of ATTYR at the start of the year and made great contributions along the way. They would also like to specifically thank and acknowledge the following people and businesses for their support:

• Korkers Sandal Company and Jack's Tyres - manufacturers and suppliers
• Arko Biswas from Cutting Edge Signs & Graphics - banners and sign boards
• Frank Witowski - their amazing business mentor
• Pic Picot from Pic's Peanut Butter - for showing and teaching them how to make handmade sandals and other great tips
• Mr Russell Maxwell - Nayland College Technology teacher who helped with trials
• Hon. Dr. Nick Smith for giving recognition
• Other Nayland Companies (Dr. Herb and Supasauce) who they worked closely with.

"Lastly, our lovely teacher (Mr Murray King) for the never-ending positivity, support, advice that he gave us," said Renz. "[He was] always there to bring back up the groups and gave us motivation that we can make it and never give up."

In an interview earlier in the year, ATTYR shared their company slogan: "These shoes have travelled thousands of miles, now let them take you thousands more." While the slogan may have been focused towards their customers, these shoes have certainly taken these students on quite a journey over the year with the potential of many more miles ahead together.  Congratulations ATTYR! We wish you all the best as you embark on life and business beyond high school!

Visit their Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/Attyr.nz/

https://nelsonweekly.co.nz/2020/07/turning-tyres-into-sandals/