A GROUP of budding entrepreneurs has devised a plan to unite Monmouth’s independent businesses and save shoppers money.

The team of Monmouth School pupils has created Blue Resolution, a discount card which offers 10 per cent off at a selection of shops throughout the town.

Set up as part of Young Enterprise – the UK’s leading charity empowering teenagers to harness their personal and business skills – the determined boys have already signed 12 shops up to their scheme.

Two of the pupils, Dan Taylor, 16, and Calum McIntosh, 17, say that successfully pitching the idea to businesses and shoppers alike has filled the team with self-confidence and passion for their growing company.

“We wanted to launch a product that is not just good for us, but it’s a service as well, designed to help all parties involved,” said Dan.

“A 10 per cent discount can make quite a difference – especially in jewellery shops.”

The card, which costs £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s, is currently valid in a variety of independent shops including Mono ladies boutique, the Pocket Bakery, MonTeas, Shirtbox, Car Care and Gemwaith RT Jewellery.

“We speak to shop owners about joining our scheme and explain how it will attract extra customers, benefit them and business in town,” Dan Taylor added.

“They’ve all been really supportive."

Members of the team have been assigned to different roles within Blue Resolution, including management, finance, IT and human resources and sales and marketing.

Calum said: “You have to be really driven – We’ve all done a lot outside our school work. We’re thinking about it all the time, and always coming up with ways we can improve the business.”

The boys began work on the business in September, and have so far sold nearly 50 cards to shoppers in town.

For details visit blueresolution.co.uk or search for Blue Resolution Monmouth on Facebook.