First they were commended for beating 270 other teams to win the national IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) Business Studies Competition with their marketing campaign for a new luxury car which they had called "The Hepburn". The team were particularly praised for having identified a gap in marketing campaigns for car sales - namely that most marketing for new cars is aimed at men - yet 60% of the buyers are in fact women. So when the judges saw team Hepburn's marketing ideas their own marketing teams were bowled over and thoroughly inspired by the girl's new and novel but achievable ideas.

Once the presentations had been made, the girls were given personal invitations of work experience in Sytner with possible offers for apprenticeships too, and then their treat really began. They were taken onto the Brooklands race track as passengers in premium AMG cars to experience the performance of such top quality cars - they reached speeds of up to 100mph and had the thrill of being driven straight at walls at high speed necessitating braking suddenly (and effectively!) with mere milliseconds to spare, as well as experiencing sliding on the skid pad.

After a superb buffet lunch they were given a guided tour and history of Mercedes-Benz World and even had photo opportunities sitting in cars worth a million pounds. The day was rounded off in style when they had the opportunity to drive themselves at high speed around the Silverstone race track - in Innovation simulators.

What a fantastic achievement to win such a prestigious national competition and what a memorable and great prize to have won. Congratulations to team Hepburn from Claires Court Senior Girls.