DUO MAKE BUSINESS AWARDS SHORTLIST
TWO local businesses have fought off competition from across Aberdeen City and Shire to be shortlisted in a major North-east entrepreneurial competition.
Stonehaven-based Liz Johnston of North-east Scotland Treasure Trails, and Netherley teen Jamie Hutcheon of Cocoa Ooze, have their fingers crossed that they will both walk away triumphant in their respective categories at the 2010 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise on June 17.
Liz, who set up her business in 2008 and creates treasure trails for families to explore villages, towns and cities across Aberdeenshire, has been shortlisted for the Alick Buchanan Smith Spirit of Enterprise award. The nominees have been chosen for showing a unique approach to performance, people development, technology and a significant contribution to the community - also in the category is Aberdeen Forward and Inverurie Chartered Physiotherapy Clinic.
Jamie, who at 19 is the youngest ever nominee for the award, has been shortlisted for the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year which recognises individuals under the age of 35 who have taken the risks necessary to undertake a business venture that stands out from the crowd. He faces competition from Andrew Gray, of Biyoni Creative Hairdressing and Francis Udom, of Bunmi Koko Ltd.
Liz said: "Taking the decision to follow my heart and set up the business, after 20 years of teaching was a big step but I've found it extremely satisfying setting up the company and receiving the exceptional feedback from people who have embarked on a Treasure Trail. Being nominated for the award is a huge honour and recognises the hard work and determination that has gone into setting up Treasure Trails.
"The award recognises businesses that demonstrate a commitment to the community it operates in and Treasure Trails is certainly doing just that. We aim to encourage families to get out and explore the local towns and villages right across the North-east, whilst doing something that is fun and educational at the same time.
"This is the first award nomination that Treasure Trails has received and I am very much looking forward to the Awards ceremony on 17 June."
Jamie set up his luxury, hand-made chocolate business two years ago, and recently decided to take the plunge and go full-time after securing corporate contracts with some high profile clients.
He said: "I'm very pleased to be nominated, definitely. I think there were around 100 applications for this one award so to be shortlisted to the final three in my first year entering it, is great. I think it proves my willingness to make a success of the business. Even if I don't win, which I hope I do, getting to the final three is still a great achievement!"
Jamie said he has just opened new, bigger premises in order to cope with the rising demand for his chocolates and is also hoping to diversify into doing chocolate-making demonstrations for hen or corporate parties now he has the space to do so.
With his weekends packed full of weddings, various events and corporate bookings, Jamie is set for a very busy summer season.
The awards, which are organised by Enterprise North-east Trust (Enterprise) and sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council, recognise inspiring entrepreneurs and new and growing businesses across the North-east.
Gary McEwan, chief executive of Enterprise said: "The award categories put the spotlight on small companies, growing businesses, entrepreneurs who have taken the risks necessary to go it alone and business people who provide support and mentoring to fledgling entrepreneurs on a paid or unpaid basis.
"Over the last 11 years, the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise have recognised the North-east's most dynamic, inspiring and successful companies and entrepreneurs. Despite the challenges of the recession, the list of finalists for this year show that Aberdeen City and Shire's business community continues to thrive.
"The judges, as always, had a difficult task in whittling down the applications to the final 27 and those on the shortlist have done exceptionally well to make it to this stage. I look forward to congratulating our nine winners on June 17."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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