BEAUTY salon owner, Carolyn MacLure, has been named the Outer Hebrides’ top young entrepreneur, at the regional finals of the 2013 Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland Young Entrepreneur (PTYBS) Awards.
The 31 year-old founder of Allure Beauty Therapy, based mainly at The Cutting Room in Barvas was announced as the regional winner at a ceremony at Bayhead Bridge Centre in Stornoway.
She was presented with a £1,000 cash prize by Margaret Erskine, branch manager for Bank of Scotland in the Outer Hebrides, sponsors of this year’s first prize award.
Carolyn established her business in July 2011 following a 12-year career as a Pharmacy Technician.
Deciding to change her career for something she felt really passionate about, Carolyn enrolled in a course at the Caledonian Therapy Academy, in Glasgow and qualified with a Diploma in Beauty Therapy. With new qualifications under her belt, Carolyn approached The PTYBS for start-up funding and advice about setting up her new beauty business.
Allure Beauty Therapy caters for both men and women of all ages and offers the latest in skin care products and therapies. As well as working from Barvas, Carolyn operates a mobile service and spends one day a week in Stornoway and also visits client’s homes. Carolyn is constantly striving to progress and develop her business by keeping up to date with the latest trends and developments.
The runner-up is 27 year-old Kevin MacMillan, founder of K. MacMillan Joinery based in Stornoway.
Thanks to support from PTYBS, Kevin MacMillan started trading as a self employed joiner in February 2011 after successfully undertaking a four-year apprenticeship, including two years at college. As well as specialising in kit houses, custom projects and renovations, Kevin also carries out repairs to slated roofs and does kitchen fitting, flooring, tiling and general joinery work.
Kevin undertakes both private and commercial contracts and has plans to further expand the business. The Convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Norman MacDonald, presented Mr MacMillan with a £500 cash prize.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland regional manager, Donna MacLeod, said: “Both these young entrepreneurs have exemplified determination, the will to succeed and the ability to turn a good idea into a viable business.
“They are great role models for other young people and deserving winners of these awards.”
Margaret Erskine, of Bank of Scotland, added “We are delighted to celebrate the determination and innovation of our young people by recognising and rewarding their achievements through these awards.”
Councillor Roddie Mackay, regional chair, said: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is very proud to support this event and we are really pleased to see more young people setting up in business on our islands.
“The success of today’s two finalists highlights what individuals can achieve when they invest a lot of hard work, determination and motivation into succeeding, despite the added challenges that a recession can bring.
“There is a lot of support available through The Prince’s Trust and I would encourage any young person with a business idea, who may be struggling, to contact them and have a chat about their ideas.”
Ends
Issued on behalf of Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland by Jen Nash, Panache Communications t. 07971 466 220 e. jen@panachecommunications.co.uk For further information contact, Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland Regional Manager, Donna Macleod on tel. 01851 822 774
NOTES TO EDITORS
About The Prince’s Trust
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people to get their lives on track. It supports 13 to 30 year-olds, with a particular focus on those who are unemployed and those struggling at school and who are perhaps at risk of exclusion. Many of the young people helped by The Prince’s Trust are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or they have been in trouble with the law. The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training. The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped 750,000 young people since 1976 and supports over 100 more each day. Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842.
Carolyn MacLure, Allure Beauty Therapy tel 01851 840 717/ 0789 486 2968
Kevin MacMillan, K. MacMillan Joinery, tel. 01851 70 2080/ 07919 510 946
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Contact: Jen Nash
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