A team of resourceful sixth-form students in Guernsey have come up with an idea to involve your dog in this year’s 80th Liberation Day commemorations and celebrations.

The group are participating in the Young Enterprise programme.

Inspired by the upcoming 80th anniversary events, the bandanas have been designed to capture the spirit of freedom and commemorate this significant milestone in the island’s history.

Initially starting as ‘The Guernsey Tie Company’, the team said they quickly recognised the limitations of their original idea, due to the cost and timely nature of hand making ties.

The young entrepreneurs demonstrated some impressive creative agility in deciding to move their focus to dog bandanas, having recognised the strong bond between Guernsey residents and their pets. 

According to Mary-Ann Chamberlain, one of the students taking part and the Managing Director of the Dog Bandanas project, the group envisioned a product that would allow pets to join their owners in participating in the Liberation Day celebrations in a fun and meaningful way.

“Just as we were about to give up, Elizabeth College launched the new term with the theme of Liberation. Learning about students’ wartime experiences inspired us to pivot.

“We wanted to honour the 80th anniversary of Guernsey’s liberation, and we felt the spirit of freedom could be captured through ‘man’s best friend’. We imagined proud Guernsey dog-owners wanting to dress their pets for the occasion – creating a fun and meaningful target market.”

Partnering with the local business, Printed in Guernsey, the group have brought their Liberation-themed dog bandana designs to life.

The initial response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive they said, with the initial stock selling out within just two hours of launch.

Within the Young Enterprise guidelines, the team have managed all aspects of their business, from production and marketing to sales and distribution themselves.

“Normally, one of our team members delivers the bandanas directly, but we’ve also distributed through workplaces, thanks to help from our mentors. While we tried to create a Facebook account, we’ve had some technical issues, so most of our promotion has relied on word-of-mouth at schools and offices. We collect delivery info through our email, (libdaybandanas@gmail.com), and payments have come in a variety of creative ways – from direct transfers to cash left under plant pots!”

Ms Chamberlain added that the experience has been a problematic, but overwhelmingly positive one for the students involved.

“This has been one of the best learning experiences I’ve had,” she said.

“Everyone took on roles within the business and got involved in competitions and focus groups. The start was stressful – especially when our original idea floundered – but persevering to find the right product made everything worthwhile.

“I particularly enjoyed being Managing Director. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop leadership and problem-solving skills.”