A YOUNG scaffolder has been named Orkney’s top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2009 Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ Awards.
Graham Summers (30), founder of Scaffold Orkney was announced as regional winner at a ceremony at Highland Park Distillery and was presented with a £1,000 cash prize by the award sponsors, The Robertson Trust.
He will now be considered by the judging panel to be entered into the national final taking place at Glasgow’s City Chambers on Wednesday 18th November 2009.
Six of the 18 regional winners are selected to compete for the coveted national title of PSYBT ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ and the opportunity to win an additional £2,000.
Mr Summers previously worked in the tool and plant hire business prior to joining the Flotta Oil Terminal as a fully-qualified scaffolder. He decided to launch Scaffold Orkney in June last year, having recognised a demand for scaffolding services including equipment hire, erecting and dismantling, and safety inspections. The business has exceeded its forecasted turnover for the first year and employs an apprentice scaffolder as well as two part time employees.
The runner-up in the awards is Helen Betram (27) who runs her own bridal boutique called Helen Lee, in Kirkwall’s Dunnet’s Close. Helen has been designing wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses and evening gowns for nearly four years and has established a growing clientele during that time. A representative of Orkney Islands Council presented Ms Betram with her runner’s up prize of £500 cash and a certificate.
Both the winner and the runner-up received funding, advice and support from PSYBT, which during the last twenty years, has supported some 11,000 young people to start almost 9,000 businesses, providing £31.7million in funding and additional assistance.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, PSYBT regional chair, Karen Scholes, said: “Both companies have demonstrated drive, ambition and enthusiasm for taking good ideas and transforming them into successful, thriving businesses. We wish them every success in the future.”
Duncan Monroe, director, The Robertson Trust added: “Youth enterprise is something to be recognised and applauded, as these young people are helping themselves, their local community and the economy. These Awards are essential in encouraging a culture that values business ambition and innovation and we are delighted to support PSYBT in creating this entrepreneurial environment.”
ENDS
For further information contact, PSYBT Regional Manager, David Knight on 01463 228 343 or Margaret Gibson and Louise Moore at PSYBT head office on Tel no. 0141 248 4999. Visit the PSYBT WEBSITE at www.psybt.org.uk
Note to Editors:
Website Address www.scaffoldorkney.co.uk
Email Address info@scaffoldorkney.co.uk
Telephone Number 018456 771386
Mobile Phone Number 07900937453
Website Address n/a
Email Address helen-lee@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone Number 01856 873113
Mobile Phone Number 07787503900
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