A YOUNG WESTERN ISLES ENTREPRENEUR PICKS UP A TOP BUSINESS AWARD

• Local business person beats off stiff competition to win the regional final of Scotland’s most prestigious award for young entrepreneurs • Cash boost for winning young businesses

A Western Isles entrepreneur, today, Monday 23 August, walked away with a top business award and cash boost of £600. Aonghas Campbell, an Isle of Lewis electrical contractor, has beat off the business talents of the Western Isles best young start-ups to win the 2004 regional final of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT)/The Royal Bank of Scotland Business Awards. Aonghas set-up his business, A. Campbell Electrical Services in November 2002, following an apprenticeship and seven years experience with a local contractor. He was supported in his new venture by the PSYBT, which provides seedcorn finance and professional support to 18-25 year olds who want to start their own businesses. The business, which offers a full range of electrical services and repairs for both domestic and commercial clients, is an expanding concern, which now employs four full time members of staff. As a businessman, Aonghas is always looking for ways to differentiate himself from competitors and aims to provide a service which is professional at all times. He recently introduced a free phone telephone number for clients and discounts for senior citizens.

Mark Strudwick, Aonghas Campbell (winner); Donald John MacDonald, Donald MacLean, Karen MacDonald (runner-up) and Alex A MacDonald.

The ceremony, which took place at the Stornoway Town Hall, was attended and supported by The Royal Bank of Scotland Area Business Manager, Donald John Macdonald who presented Aonghas with a cheque for £600. He will now be in line to represent the Western Isles at the national finals in Glasgow in November 2004. Six of the 18 regional winners will be selected to compete for the coveted national title of ‘PSYBT/Royal Bank of Scotland Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ and the opportunity to scoop another £1,500.

Runner-up in the regional heat is graphic designer Karen Macdonald of Isle of Lewis-based, Blue Heron Creative Services. Karen, whose company offers creative concepts for websites and other printed materials, was recently chosen by leading media publication ‘The Drum’ as one of Scotland’s top design and marketing businesses run by an entrepreneur under 30 years of age. Her most recent contract is illustrations for a Gaelic book by Young Enterprise pupils from Sir E Scott School in Harris. Alex Macdonald, Comhairle Convener presented the runner-up prize of £300, which was kindly donated by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Donald John Macdonald, The Royal Bank of Scotland area Business Manager, said: "Once again we look forward to meeting the wide and diverse range of entrepreneurs who will compete for the coveted title. Their energy, enterprise and determination are such an inspiration to any young person who is thinking of setting up their own business.”

"Every year it is an exciting time locally for both our young entrepreneurs and those working in youth enterprise, as so much talent is evident when you begin to recognise those young people who have put in the hard work and determination to create a successful new business” said, PSYBT Regional Manager, Jane Campbell.

For further information contact Jane Campbell, PSYBT Regional Manager, on Tel no. 01851 707475 or Margaret Gibson at PSYBT head office on Tel no. 0141 248 4999.

Visit the PSYBT WEBSITE at www.psybt.org.uk

The PSYBT was launched by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, in 1989. During the past fifteen years, PSYBT has helped 6,546 businesses and 7,808 young people start up across 18 regions in Scotland. The Trust has particular concern for the disadvantaged. Of those started, 80% have traded beyond one year and 54% beyond three years. The average age of a PSYBT recipient is 23 and 39% of all new business starts are run by women. Nearly 80% were unemployed before receiving PSYBT support and 16% left school without any formal academic qualifications. A first year average turnover per business is £23k and £56k by year three. Turnover of all businesses exceeds £80 million.

The Royal Bank of Scotland is the leading bank for small businesses in Scotland. For new and developing businesses sound financial advice, guidance and encouragement are all essential. With dedicated Relationship Managers based at branches throughout Scotland, the Royal Bank provides this support as well as offering good value and high quality service.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk