TWO Ayrshire entrepreneurs are among six finalists in the 2010 ‘Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award’.
The joint founders of Bank Street Auto Clinic in Irvine 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 they win, in addition to being crowned PSYBT ‘Young Entrepreneurs of the Year’, they will also receive a £2,000 cash prize to further develop their business.
Hayleigh Linton (26) and Christopher Craig (29) took over ownership of a local tyre and exhaust centre in May 2009.
Chris has had years of experience in the mechanical repair of motor vehicles and Hayleigh had studied accounting at college.
After just one year of trading, they have tripled their revenues and are employing three mechanics, one of whom is female and is studying at the local college whilst continuing the hands-on experience in the garage.
The couple are now planning to expand their business with a MOT station which will enable them to offer a one stop shop to customers and perhaps even create additional jobs.
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 Gregor Mackintosh (23) founder of Mackintosh of Glendaveny in Aberdeenshire.
He harvests his own rapeseed crop to produce an Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Oil which is sold to farm shops, delicatessens, butchers, and major supermarkets throughout Scotland.
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.
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.
Ends
For further information contact, PSYBT Regional Manager, Stewart Thomson on tel. 01294 274113 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
Hayley Linton and Christopher Craig – Bank Street Auto Clinic
Email: hayleylinton@btinternet.com
Tel: 07714992399
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