SIXTH-formers have been given the chance to rub shoulders with the big boys and girls of business at a Manchester business seminar.

Ellie Johnson and Kaylea McVay, A-level business students from Burnley College, were invited by Lloyds Banking Group to The Big Picture: Taking Your Business To The Next Level’ featuring 200 leading names, including their own assistant principal Alison Cameron-Brandwood.

BBC Newsnight presenter Gavin Esler chaired the debate, which focused on what matters most to businesses and was designed to inspire growth and build confidence through sharing ideas and identifying opportunities.

Ellie is looking to become a paralegal and Kaylea wants to study marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University and they were both inspired by the experience.

Ellie said: “It was really interesting and I got a good insight into varying aspects of business.”

And Kaylea was fascinated by a speech from David Cain, regeneration director for the Royal Manchester Childrens’ Hospital, who later took time out to talk to her about how she might secure a similar role.