TRAVEL operator, Vanessa Good, is named Ayrshire’s top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2013 Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland Young Entrepreneur (PTYBS) Awards.
The 26 year-old founder of The Good Travel Company and The Good Currency Company, which have shops in Ayr, Irvine and Dumfries was announced as the regional winner at a ceremony at Entrepreneurial Spark in Dundonald.
She was presented with a £1,000 cash prize on behalf of joint sponsors of the winner’s award, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council.
The Good Travel Company opened its doors to the public in January 2012 with the support from PTYBS.
The agency specialises in tailor-made holidays with the personal touch of a dedicated team, who pride themselves in offering outstanding customer service, honest advice, and value for money.
In November 2012, Vanessa bought three local foreign exchange outlets located in Ayr, Irvine & Dumfries and rebranded them as The Good Currency Company.
She also increased her staff from two to nine members.
Future plans include the opening of a new travel shop in Ayr later this year and another travel operation in Dumfries in the summer of 2014.
Commenting, Vanessa Good said: “I am particularly proud that I started the business at the height of the recession and have grown it significantly especially in a sector that has seen an overall reduction.
“We are bucking the trend, especially in the currency business.”
The runner-up is 26 year-old Lisa Brown, founder of Inca Beauty based in Ayr.
Lisa took over the business from the former owner in 2012 thanks to funding from PTYBS. Lisa runs the beauty side of the business and her partner, Douglas, runs the management and operational side.
Since taking on the ownership of the business, Lisa has invested in a new computerised till and booking system, which has yielded significant results.
They are now able to auto-text clients to remind them of appointment times, resulting in a 50 per cent reduction in no-shows and missed appointments.
As well as providing the facility for clients to book online, the duo have also developed a mobile app allowing clients to book appointments using their mobile phones.
Inca Beauty now employ six members of staff and future plans include further investment in the salon and landscaping the garden to the rear of the salon to provide a unique experience for their clients.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland regional manager, Stewart Thomson, 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.”
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, Stewart Thomson on tel. 01292 430535 or 0776 426 1094
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.
Inca Beauty – Contact: 01292 265100
reception@incabeautysalon.com
www.incabeautyslaon.com
The Good Travel Company – Contact: 01294 313000
www.goodtravelcompany.co.uk
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Contact: Jen Nash
Phone: 07971466220
Email: jen@panachecommunications.co.uk
Website: http://www.panachecommunications.co.uk
