Media Release: Retail trio recognised with prestigious tourism awards

THREE young entrepreneurs who seized the opportunity to realise their dreams of starting their own businesses are revealed as winners at the annual Moffat Travel and Tourism Awards at the Blythswood Hotel in Glasgow today.

22 year-old Arlene Robbie, founder of Arlene’s Coffee Shop in Craignure in Argyllshire won the Economic & Community Impact award and a £1,500 cash prize.

Lesley Smith who owns an accessories and nursery wear boutique in Hawick in the Scottish Borders, called The Honey Pot, won the Excellent Customer Focus award and £1,000.

Winner of the Personal Growth & Development award and a £1,000 cash prize was 28 year-old architectural glass designer Kathryn Neale from Fife, who supplies 200 shops and galleries throughout the UK with her glass giftware.

The awards, which are now in their fifth year, are run by The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) thanks to generous support from The Moffat Charitable Trust which has pledged almost £300,000 to support young people demonstrating outstanding talent in the Scottish tourism and travel industry.

All three winners launched their businesses thanks to funding and support from PSYBT which helps 18-25 year-olds start up and continue to grow their own businesses.

Congratulating the winners, PSYBT director, Geoff Leask, said: “Thanks to the Moffat Charitable Trust we are able to support young people and help create a culture of entrepreneurship and enterprise in the Scottish tourism industry.”

Speaking on behalf of The Moffat Charitable Trust, Mr Jamie Moffat said: “We are delighted to be able to continue funding and recognising young people in Scotland who have a passion for business and who are striving to make a positive impact in their local communities.”

Ends

Issued on behalf of PSYBT by Jen Nash, Panache Communications tel. 07971 466 220 Email jen@panachecommunications.co.uk.

For more information please contact Margaret Gibson or Emma Fitzpatrick on Tel no. 0141 248 4999 or visit the PSYBT website at www.psybt.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

Photography: High Resolution free photography of the winners is available.

Arlene Robbie, Arlene’s Coffee Shop (Argyll) tel. 0791 953 3032. Arlene started her business in June 2011

Lesley Smith, The Honey Pot (Borders) tel. 0773961 2991, Lesley started her business in March 2011

Kathryn Neale, Glass by Kathryn (Fife) tel. 01592 743037, Kathryn started her business in July 2008

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Contact: Jen Nash
Phone: 07971 466 220
Email: jen@panachecommunications.co.uk
Website: http://www.