WEB solutions provider, Sam Coley, has been named Argyll’s top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2013 Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland Young Entrepreneur (PTYBS) Awards.
The 21 year-old founder of SAMTEQ was announced regional winner at a ceremony at Kilmory Castle. He was presented with a £1,000 cash prize by Caroline McPherson, from Firstpoint USA, sponsors of this year’s winner’s award.
Sam Coley launched SAMTEQ in 2009 when he was just 16 years-old. Within six months and while Sam was still at school, SAMTEQ opened an office based in Dunoon. Sam worked after school and during weekends to steadily grow the business while completing his studies. The business focused initially on producing websites for small businesses and grew from there.
The business has been completely self-financed other than a Will It Work Grant from PTYBS.
Today, SAMTEQ specialise in website development, interactive systems and cloud based software and clients include Balmoral Castle, SportScotland and the RSPB.
Other big projects include the much-publicised Explore Argyll website, which SAMTEQ won after scoring the highest out of 38 tenders.
SAMTEQ currently has two full-time members of staff and the business is continuing to expand profitably into a wide range of sectors, ensuring SAMTEQ’s position as a growing leader in the market.
The runner-up is 23 year-old Leonie Woolf, founder of Art & Sea based in Oban.
Leonie established her custom kayak graphics business at the beginning of 2011 with funding and advice from the PTYBS. The young entrepreneur came across the idea for her business when she couldn’t find a graphics company to custom design own kayak.
With funding from PTYBS, she was able to purchase the tools, materials to be able to provide customers with custom designed graphics in a high-quality marine grade vinyl.
The graphics can be applied to almost any surface, making them suitable for kayaks, paddles, helmets, and even cars and bigger boats.
The award-winning entrepreneur’s designs are now seen on boats throughout the UK, as well as USA, Australia and other countries around the world.
Provost Isobel Strong, from Argyll & Bute Council, presented Leonie Woolf with a £500 cash prize and runners-up certificate.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland’s regional chair, Murdo 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.”
Andrew Kean of Firstpoint USA, added: “We are delighted to celebrate the determination and innovation of our young people by recognising and rewarding their achievements through these awards.”
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
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 who are unemployed and those struggling at school and 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.
Sam Coley
Can be contacted on tel. 01369 702253
Leonie Woolf
Can be contacted on tel. 01631 569735
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Contact: Jen Nash
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Email: jen@panachecommunications.co.uk
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