GRAMPIAN entrepreneur, Gregor Macintosh, is among the six finalists in the running for the 2010 ‘Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award’.
The 23 year-old founder of Mackintosh of Glendaveny in Peterhead was shortlisted from 18 winners representing regions throughout Scotland and will now go through to the finals and compete for the coveted national title at an award ceremony in Glasgow’s City Chambers on Tuesday 16th November 2010.
If he wins, in addition to being crowned PSYBT ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, he will also receive a £2,000 cash prize to further develop the business.
Mr Mackintosh launched his business in 2009, harvesting his own rapeseed crop to produce Mackintosh of Glendaveny Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Oil. The rapeseed is harvested, pressed and bottled on his family’s 800 acre farm, and sold to farm shops, delicatessens, butchers, and major supermarkets throughout Scotland.
Congratulating the six finalists, PSYBT chief executive, Mark Strudwick, said: “Our finalists have exemplified determination, will to succeed and the ability to turn an idea into a viable business and in the current economic climate their achievements deserve extra recognition.”
The five other finalists are Greg Clarkson (27) and Allan Whitson (31) founders of XL Tec Recruitment in Cumbernauld who specialise in recruitment for the oil and gas sector and have recently opened an office in India.
Hayleigh Linton (26) and Christopher Craig (29), joint founders of Bank Street Auto Clinic in Irvine, who after only one year of trading have tripled their revenues and now employ three mechanics.
Allan Elliot (25) founder of Dalbeattie Fine Foods in Dalbeattie, who has won numerous awards for his pies, haggis, black pudding and has featured on a variety of food and cookery programmes.
Raphael Metayer (31) and Carina Neubert Favero (23), founders of the St Andrews Golf Experience.
The pair organise bespoke golfing packages for overseas clients and have welcomed over 500 visitors to Fife and the surrounding area since they started in 2008.
Kirsten Dunnett (24) who has won numerous enterprise and retail awards and is the founder of Missy La La’s in Dundee, a boutique which stocks clothing brands sourced from London, as well as stylish bags and accessories.
In a double result for Grampian, retired Aberdeen businessman, Michael Craig, has also been shortlisted as one of four finalists who will compete for the coveted title of volunteer of the year at the same awards.
Mr Craig, who retired from the Clydesdale Bank after 35 years, joined the Grampian PSYBT panel of Aftercare Advisers in Grampian in February 2005 and in this time has become a central figure in the region whose expertise, mentoring and inspiration has helped many young entrepreneurs fulfil their self employment ambitions.
The other three ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’ finalists are Detlef Lorenz from West Lothian, Ted Ferguson from the Borders region and Tom Byrne from Lanarkshire.
Ends
For further information contact, PSYBT Regional Manager, Keith Hewitt on 01224 289709 or Margaret Gibson/Emma Fitzpatrick at PSYBT head office on Tel no. 0141 248 4999. Visit the PSYBT website at www.psybt.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
Contact: Gregor Mackintosh, Mackintosh of Glendaveny, gregor@mackintoshofglendaveny.co.uk
07876 474546.
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