THE next generation of young entrepreneurs have received £115,000 towards achieving business success in the latest Morgan Foundation awards.
Winners and runners-up in seven categories were recognised during the ceremony at Chester’s Carden Park Hotel, which featured several Merseyside firms among the evening’s success stories.
They will receive a package of professional services and mentoring as well as their cash reward.
The awards were created by Liverpool entrepreneur and founder of housebuilder – and main sponsor – Redrow, Steve Morgan, who said: “Our theme for this, our fifth year, was targeting inspiration, which is what the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards are all about, on so many different levels.
“What’s remarkable about this year’s entries and winners is the number centred around renewable energy or recycling, as well as the number founded by young people.
“It is particularly heartening as Britain tries to claw its way out of recession to see so many new businesses not only starting up, but thriving in our area.
“Long may it continue.”
Merseyside firms won three of the seven categories, including Simon Roberts, 22, from Liverpool, whose Roberts Recycling picked up the Best Young Entrepreneur award and a prize of £10,000.
His firm offers cash incentives for people recycling their unwanted clothing items, which also helps relieve pressure on dwindling landfill resources.
Winner of the Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise in Liverpool, and a £5,000 prize, was Little League Sports, which engages with more than 4,500 people each week and uses sport and other activities to improve communities.
Jean Taylor, of Families Fighting for Justice, won the Against All Odds category and a £10,000 award for her organisation that aims to offer support to families whose loved ones have been murdered.
Mrs Taylor has lost her own sister, son and daughter in tragic circumstances.
Local firms featuring among the runners-up and highly commended were Label Line UK (Best New Business) from St Helens, Eco Environments (Best New Business and Best Business Providing a Social or Economic Contribution to the Region) in Bootle, Eva Zych’s FlavoryNature (Best Young Entrepreneur) and Tina Lee’s Creative Craft Jewellery, Kelsey Donlevy, of Just Dance, UK Visits’ Toni Marie Hynes (all in the Best New Business Idea by a Young Entrepreneur category), The Brink (Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise), Merseyside Domestic Violence Services, and Squash Nutrition (Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise in Liverpool), and Jane Davis and Niall Gibney (Against All Odds), who are behind The Reader Organisation, all from Liverpool.
The awards night was given a 1960s theme by Liverpool design agency USP Creative, which delivered last Thursday’s event alongside events management company DRP Group.
Each nominee was photographed in the 1960s style of photographer David Bailey. Those images then formed the centrepiece of the stage set.
