PSYBT/Moffat Awards for Travel and Tourism - winners announced!

Posted 10th June 2009 10:58am by Alison Duguid

A restaurant owner from Fife lifted the top award for the best tourism business at an awards ceremony held on Thursday 28th May in The Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust/Moffat Awards acknowledge outstanding young businesses demonstrating best practice, excellent customer service and positive economic and community impact in the Scottish tourism sector.

Fife-based Hannah Norman, owner of Room With A View Restaurant, won the Moffat Award for Outstanding Economic and Community Impact along with a £1500 cash prize. The restaurant is tucked away on Hawkcraig point, below the cliffs looking out to Edinburgh and the Islands of the Forth. This Family run seafood restaurant is able to offer their guests individual attention, assuring they return. Fine food, service and hospitality in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere are guaranteed.

Winner of the Personal Growth and Development Award and a prize of £1,000 was Christine Macintosh, owner of Heb Hostel, a high quality 4-star backpackers hostel located on the Isle of Lewis in The Hebrides. The Hostel building dates back to the 1800s and boasts many original period features such as the staircase and Victorian fireplaces. Facilities at the friendly and sociable hostel include internet access, laundry facilities, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

The award for Excellent Customer Care and a prize of £1,000 went to Hattie Fry, of Frontline Falconry based in Moffat near Dumfries. Based at Auchen Castle Hotel, a wide range of activities are offered from flying demonstration hunting days, and hawk walks, to entertaining wedding guests while the bride is having her photos taken. Hattie’s ambition is to collect all 28 species of British Birds of Prey and extend their breeding programme to provide support for endangered species from around the world.

Ross McKinnon, founder of Amazing Days Scotland, won the Moffat Award for Excellent Customer Service last year. Speaking at this year’s awards, he told the winners that it was not only winning an award that had a positive impact on his business, but also the media exposure that he received as a result. Ross also went on to win the Young Tourism Entrepreneur 2008 at the VisitScotland Thistle Awards.

Featured image (L-R): Mark Strudwick (Director of PSYBT),  Hannah Norman, Christine Macintosh, Jamie Moffat

Scottish entrepreneurs nominated for a Youth International Business Award

Posted 19th August 2009 12:42pm

The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust is proud to announce that Bobby Mitchell, a 22 year old who runs a computer recycling business in Edinburgh, and Philip Ross and Martin Izod, manufacturers from Glasgow (both 25), have been shortlisted for an international award for successful young entrepreneurs.

Bobby, Philip and Martin were shortlisted in the YBI Entrepreneur of the Year award, a competition run by The Prince's Youth Business International, a UK charity which is the leadership body for a global network that is dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs.

The competition celebrates the achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs across the world. Bobby impressed the shortlisting panel with his business acumen and his commitment to protecting the environment, whilst the panel also admired the groundbreaking nature of Philip and Martin’s product.

Bobby Mitchell, Pure Services

Bobby is one of three entrepreneurs shortlisted in the Environmentally Sustainable category, which recognises those whose businesses help advance environmental principles.  Bobby is committed to making sure his methods of disposal are as environmentally friendly as possible, with a remarkable 90% of the computer equipment recycled or reused. And his dedication to sustainability does not end there: Pure Services has already established a ‘Plant a Tree’ scheme to offset carbon emissions, and Bobby hopes to start a scheme to send functioning recycled computers to the African continent.

As Geoff Leask, Head of Operations for PSYBT says: “With Bobby it is not just profit that motivates his business, it is his desire for all businesses to be able to play their part in the drive for practices that make the world a more sustainable place.”

After leaving school, Bobby became a Motor Sport rider before hitting on the idea of bringing environmental computer recycling to Scotland. With a loan from PSYBT, Bobby was able to set up Pure Services in 2007, and since then it has grown from strength to strength.

In the Environmentally Sustainable category, Bobby will be competing against Sarala Bastian, a mushroom producer from India and Jorge Alberto Noverón, an environmentally conscious architect from Mexico.

Philip Ross & Martin Izod, Safehinge

Philip and Martin are also on a shortlist of three for the Innovation category, which honours those who have created innovative products or services in manufacturing or technology. University friends Philip and Martin had always hoped to become entrepreneurs. When they discovered that two percent of children’s admissions to A&E were caused by fingers trapped in doors, they applied for a loan from PSYBT to design and patent the Safehinge, a ball-and-joint connection between door and wall that prevents a gap being formed to tempt stray fingers.

Philip says, “Being entrepreneurs changes our lives fundamentally...In our self-employed career, we have developed business acumen way beyond the employed equivalent, developing an understanding of all the key components of business.”

In the Innovation category, Philip and Martin will be competing against Mouneer Al-Kojak, a pharmaceutical software programmer from Syria and Georgi Dichev, a computer developer from Bulgaria.

The winners of each category and the overall winner will be selected by a high-profile judging panel and will be announced on 16th November to mark the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The public will also be able to vote for the People’s Choice award, which will be open during the run-up to Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust is an accredited member of the network led by Youth Business International.
 

PSYBT Finance Director Douglas scoops top award

Posted 25th September 2009 10:42am by Alison Duguid

Congratulations to Douglas Bowie, Director of Finance for The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), who has scooped a regional Recognition Award 2009. Douglas is the Scotland Regional Winner in the not-for-profit category.

The awards are organised by Recognition Express Ltd, with the aim of acknowledging staff at all levels who always go the extra mile at work. Recognising that praise matters more than ever in the economic downturn, the scheme rewards exceptional loyalty, hard work and commitment.

Douglas was entered for the Recognition Awards 2009 by his colleague Margaret Gibson, the Trust’s Director of Marketing and Communications.

She said: “Douglas has shown great character and determination in helping disadvantaged young people to achieve in their lives. His friendly and outgoing personality has meant he has established great working relationships with our client group, our supporters and our volunteers. He is a much loved and respected colleague.”

Douglas joined PSYBT in 1989, shortly after it was launched. He previously worked in private industry as a management accountant and brought his business acumen to the burgeoning charity which helps people aged 18-25 to set up in business. Since 1989 it has funded 11,000 young people across Scotland to do just that.

Douglas, 62, was delighted to be a regional winner. “My colleagues are always coming up with surprises – this came completely out of the blue. I didn't even know they’d entered me until I got a letter saying I was a winner. It’s a fantastic charity to work for in every way.”

He is toasting double success – in May, Douglas was told he’s to be made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order and will receive his honour from the Queen at Buckingham Palace next month.

To read more about this story, and the Recognition Awards, visit the PSYBT website.

Win some sweet treats in our October competitions

Posted 8th October 2009 10:42am by Alison Duguid

We're inviting members of The Prince's Charities Community website to enter our two exciting competitions in October with prizes from businesses which have been supported by The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT).

PSYBT is a charity that helps young people, aged eighteen to twenty five years old, start up and continue in business, whoever they are and wherever they come from. With eighteen offices throughout Scotland, its regional managers offer assistance to help young people to access the support, advice, training and funding that PSYBT and its partner organisations provide.

You can now enter our competition to win a delicious gift basket of Scottish sweets from Jamie Wallace's business Granny Jacksons - 'the shop for Scottish sweets'. The winner may select a gift basket from the following choices: Sweet and Spicy, Chocolate Sweets, Sweet and Sour and Scottish Taster. The gift baskets contain a range of traditional treats such as Macaroon, 'Soor Plooms', Tablet and Puff Candy. All Gift Baskets include the popular Butterscotch rock sweet and the ever-sought after Granny Jackson's pen! The prize shall be sent to the prizewinner or it can be sent on their behalf, with their personalised message, to a friend or family member.

For a chance to win a Granny Jackson's gift basket, simply tell us: what is the one type of sweet all the gift baskets contain? Email your answer to princes.charities@royal.gsx.gov.uk with your name, address and telephone number. Entries are now open and will close on Monday 19th October at 12pm GMT. (NB: there will be one winner for each competition. Entrants must be registered members of the website. No alternative will be offered. Only the winner will be notified. T&C apply.)

Later in October we will be giving members the chance to win a beautiful necklace and earring set (worth £149) from Brazen Studios run by Sarah Raffel. The jewellery set is designed exclusively by Sarah Raffel herself.

The question for this second competition will be posted here on The Prince's Charities Community Blog from Monday 19th October 2009 (and a link posted to our Twitter feed @powcharities). 

Dazzle in a beautiful 'Brazen' necklace and earring set

Posted 19th October 2009 08:00am by Alison Duguid

In the second of this month's two competitions with prizes from businesses which have been supported by The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), we are delighted to be able to give away a beautiful jewellery set. The necklace and earrings, from the Glasgow-based Brazen Studios, are made from Sterling Silver and Swarovski pearls.

Creative Director and Founder, Sarah Raffel, established Brazen Studios in Glasgow in December 2004 and since that time it has attracted a strong local, national and international profile. An award-winning jewellery graduate from The Glasgow School of Art, Sarah turned her attentions to creating a company that symbolised orginality, and an environment that was as stimulating for the customer as it was for the independant designer-maker. The on-site jewellery studios provide customers a secret glimpse into the intricate processes involved in making jewellery.

PSYBT is a charity that helps young people, aged eighteen to twenty five years old, start up and continue in business, whoever they are and wherever they come from. With eighteen offices throughout Scotland, its regional managers offer assistance to help young people to access the support, advice, training and funding that PSYBT and its partner organisations provide.

For a chance to win the jewellery simply tell us: in which city can you find Sarah Raffel's Brazen Studios? Email your answer to princes.charities@royal.gsx.gov.uk with your name, address and telephone number. Entries are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 1st November. (NB: there will be one winner for each competition. Entrants must be registered members of the website. No alternative will be offered. Only the winner will be notified. T&C apply.)

Skerryvore top the PSYBT Awards

Posted 23rd November 2009 13:22pm by Alison Duguid

A band dubbed the 'boy band of traditional Scottish music' was named The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ at an awards ceremony in Glasgow on Wednesday 18th November 2009.

Brothers Martin and Daniel Gillespie, Alec Dalglish and Fraser West, founders of Skerryvore won £2,000 in cash and beat off stiff competition from hundreds of Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) backed businesses from all over Scotland who were eligible for this year’s ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award.

The lively sound of bagpipes, accordions and fiddle, fused with kicking rhythms of guitar, bass and drums, has seen Skerryvore perform at festivals world-wide including Celtic Connections, Hebridean Celtic Festival, MOK Festival, MagiaCeltica & Celtica Festivals in Italy and the Netherlands. Their debut album “West Coast Life” was awarded album of the month on BBC Radio Scotland’s Celtic Connections programme. Their second album, “On the Road”, was released in July 2007 and went to re-press within a week of its release. With album sales now approaching 10,000, Skerryvore’s music is becoming increasing popular with fans of all ages both at home and abroad.

Since establishing their business, Skerryvore has appeared alongside the likes of Peatbog Fairies, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Lingalad, Sensational Alex Harvey Band and also Donnie Munro (formally Runrig). Skerryvore made their debut in the USA in 2008 by accompanying Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond for performances at the Ryder Cup in Louisville, Kentucky before blasting their sounds to crowds in Chicago. Skerryvore recently signed with record label REL which is expected to elevate them to even greater heights of success.

The runner-up was Mr Jim Bell, founder of Jim Bell Joinery in Leven, Fife. Mr Bell started his joinery business in September 2007. He now has a team of 30 self employed joiners and labourers that support him in carrying out a wide variety of contracts ranging from kitchen renewals to full commercial renovation work. Mr Bell fulfils contracts on behalf of large contractors, one of these is for a UK company which installs furniture into schools, universities and hospitals. More recently, Mr Bell acquired new premises to design and produce bespoke items such as stairways and windows for clients in Fife and neighbouring areas. Mr Bell received a cash prize of £1500.

The awards ceremony, which is now in its fourteenth year, took place in the Glasgow City Chambers and was attended by over 300 guests. TV personality, Viv Lumsden, who is a longstanding ambassador of PSYBT, chaired the awards' ceremony, and entrepreneur and director of PSYBT, Sir Tom Hunter, addressed the 350 strong audience.

Presenting the members of Skerryvore and Jim Bell with their awards, Sir Tom Hunter, said, “Entrepreneurship is above all a state of mind. Maintaining self belief, thinking positive and seizing opportunities is what creates success. Tonight’s winners are tremendous examples of this mindset and these talented young entrepreneurs will be instrumental in leading the way to a healthier economic future for Scotland.”

Mark Strudwick, Chief Executive of the PSYBT said, “I would like to congratulate all the young entrepreneurs who were successful in being nominated for the award this year. It takes drive, ambition and determination to manage and build your own business and we hope many will be inspired by the winners who are helping to create a culture of entrepreneurship and success in Scotland.”

A special award was also given to the PSYBT ‘Volunteer of the Year’, and this was won by Ruth Webber from Glasgow, who was selected from almost 800 PSYBT volunteers across Scotland. Ms Webber runs her own Glasgow based marketing consultancy, Webber Marketing and has been volunteering with PSYBT since 2004. “During this time Ruth has mentored a wide variety of young people representing a diverse range of start-up companies” said Mr Strudwick. “Her unwavering dedication is an inspiration to the entrepreneurs she supports and her PSYBT colleagues. We are delighted to present her with this very special award.”

Pictured left to right : Barry Coulfield, Fraser West, Craig Espie, Martin Gillespie and Danial Gillespie of Skerryvore with Sir Tom Hunter (centre)
Jim Bell of Jim Bell Joinery Ltd with award.

Young Visionaries with an Eye for E-commerce Win Top Awards

Posted 9th April 2010 10:08am by Alison Duguid

Four young entrepreneurs were recognised for their vision and e-commerce skills on Monday 15th March 2010 at the BT Scotland Young E-ntrepreneurs Awards in Edinburgh. 

Organised by The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), the BT Scotland Young E-ntrepreneurs Awards recognise and reward the ‘Most Visionary’, ‘Best Website’, ‘Best E-Commerce’ and ‘Most Environmentally Responsible’ businesses from the group of recipients who benefited from the BT Scotland Young E-ntrepreneurs funding scheme during 2009.

At last night’s awards, vintage fashion designer Gillian Parker, founder of Sew Vintage was announced as the winner of the Most Visionary Business award and presented with a £1,000 cash prize. Specialising in affordably-chic, eclectic ranges of ladies and men’s fashions, her spacious boutique in Gourock in Inverclyde is a treasure trove of quirky clothing, shoes and accessories. Gillian also sells her own womanswear brand, Molly Pippins, with styles and fabrics inspired by the vintage retro look. Gillian formed her business in July 2009 thanks to funding from PSYBT and the BT Scotland Young E-ntrepreneurs scheme, which she invested in the design of her website and online shop.

In the last nine years, BT Scotland has invested more than £400,000 in the Young E-ntrepreneurs programme, helping over 130 young people to start-up in businesses. The funding programme encourages PSYBT-backed business start-ups to embrace electronic means of doing business and use the internet to deliver new markets, with support through grants and loans.

Lucy McGonigle from Glasgow was awarded Most Environmentally Responsible Business and a £750 cash prize for her eco-cleaning firm, Mrs Magoo. Lucy, 26, set up Mrs Magoo after being made redundant from her flight attendant job in 2008. She saw a gap in the market for a high quality domestic cleaning company that only uses eco-friendly, recyclable, non-toxic cleaning products for the benefit of customers’ health, homes and the environment. Lucy is now expanding her services to include offices and aims to build a recognisable brand for her business.

Greg Allison from Edinburgh received a cash prize of £750 and an award for Best Ecommerce Business. Greg decided to cut the cost of car repairs for other motorists by creating his own online business, www.garages4you.com enabling customers to book their MOT tests with a local network of service stations online at exclusive discounted prices. Inspired by Kwik-Fit founder Sir Tom Farmer, Greg’s business has grown to become the largest online retailer of MOT and servicing in the UK. Earlier this year he received further PSYBT development funding which helped him to launch MacSams tyres, which offers locally fitted tyres at discounted online prices across the UK.

Winner of the Best Website and £750 cash prize went to promising young Glasgow designer, Lauren Anderson, founder of Sparkle Candy. Lauren gave up a promising retail and design career, to specialise in sourcing vintage glam and rock-inspired jewellery brands which she sells through her online jewellery boutique, www.sparklecandy.co.uk. Lauren’s aim is to bring together the best selection of fashion jewellery from around the world to her website. Disney Couture, Anna Lou, Butler & Wilson are some of the other famous vintage brands which Lauren says are enjoying huge popularity.

Brendan Dick, director at BT Scotland, said “Gillian is a worthy winner - not only does she have great creative talent but she has created a stunning website that is a fantastic visual showcase for her work. She is also marketing her company really well online and using her site intelligently to promote her ranges and engage with her customers. All of our young e-Entrepreneurs are demonstrating new and imaginative ways to exploit and develop applications and technologies for their individual uses and to expand their markets.”

Mark Strudwick, Chief Executive of the PSYBT, added: “The initiative with BT Scotland has flourished over the last nine years and has enabled us to help many of Scotland’s young entrepreneurs to take the first steps towards successful self-employment. Scotland has a wealth of young people who are ambitious, talented and want to work for themselves, and thanks to the investment from BT over the last nine years we are able to help as many as possible to set up and grow their businesses. ”

(Pictured left to right - Greg Allison, Gillian Parker, Lucy McGonigle and Lauran Anderson)