Young business people in running for award

Aug 12 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

FIVE young entrepreneurs are set to compete for a top business prize.

The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and West Lothian Council have revealed the finalists for the 2010 awards which showcase young business talent and profile the work of PSYBT.

Competing for the top honour are personal fitness instructors Damian and Joseph Duffin of Experience Exercise; Bathgate hair stylist Rebecca Kelly of RK Hair Studio, beautician Lindsay McGeechan of Beauty Boutique based in Bathgate; Michael Smith of Personal Best Health & Fitness; and mobile valet service owner Jonathan Sneddon of Valet Master (Scotland) Ltd.

The finalists were whittled down from more than 40 eligible businesses and the overall winner will be announced at a ceremony at West Lothian’s Civic Centre on Tuesday, August 31.

Each finalist prepared a written submission, including financial information on the performance of the business and faced an interview from the judging panel made up of PSYBT regional chairman Sue Cook, Executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, and PSYBT panel member Simon Aston of Aston Recruitment.

A PSYBT spokesperson explained: “The judging panel will base their choice on the performance of the businesses to date using measurable factors such as sales, profit, job creation and potential for growth.

“They will also look at the candidates’ personal qualities including technical skills, business skills and personal attributes that have made a major contribution to them getting to the final stage of the regional awards.”

Their efforts help them build solid futures for themselves and bring numerous benefits to the community.”

The winner of the West Lothian award has the chance to go forward to the PSYBT national final in Glasgow later this year.

This is the sixteenth year of the PSYBT business awards, which in West Lothian are sponsored by West Lothian Council.

PSYBT are Scotland’s leading charity in providing essential finance and professional support to 18 to 25 year olds in Scotland, whoever they are and wherever they come from, so that they can set up and run their own business.

Councillor Martyn Day added: “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of West Lothian’s most talented young entrepreneurs.

“We are delighted to be involved to celebrate the creativity, determination and innovation of our young people.

For more information about PSYBT support in West Lothian call 01506 777400.