HOME care provider, Tim Cocking, has been named Edinburgh’s top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2012 The Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ Awards.
The 27 year-old founder of Bright Care at Home in Edinburgh was announced as regional winner at a ceremony hosted by City of Edinburgh Council at the City Chambers last night.
He was presented with a £1,000 cash prize by Stuart Macdonald, managing director, Seric Systems, sponsors of the winner’s award.
Mr Cocking will now be considered by the judging panel to be entered into the national final taking place at Glasgow’s City Chambers on Tuesday 13th November 2012.
Bright Care at Home specialise in keeping seniors in Edinburgh safe and secure in their own homes for as long as possible, while maintaining their independence and dignity.
They provide peace of mind, by providing dependable and affordable care.
Home care is a holistic solution to elder care needs, providing tailored solutions and one to one care for private individuals who prefer to manage their own care arrangements and require home visits of two hours or more.
The runner-up is 26 year-old Steven Sibbald, founder of Springboard Europe based in Princes Street inEdinburgh. Stephen launched Springboard in June 2010 out of necessity, having recently been made redundant and unable to find a job.
Specialising in business to business marketing, Springboard Europe focuses on delivering new business opportunities for clients using experience in telemarketing and digital channels.
Mr Sibbald employs four full-time staff and one part-time member of staff and has grown the business substantially in the last two years.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Provost Donald Wilson presented Mr Sibbald with a £500 cash prize and runners-up certificate.
Both the winner and the runner-up received funding, advice and support from Youth Business Scotland, which during the last 23 years, has supported over 13,000 young people to start over 10,500 businesses, providing £37.8million in funding and additional assistance.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Youth Business Scotland regional manager, Grant Laidlaw said: “These young entrepreneurs represent some of the most talented, creative and dedicated business people in Scotland today and we are delighted to be able to recognise and reward their achievements through these awards.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Stuart Macdonald said: “These awards are essential in encouraging a culture that values business ambition, innovation and giving back. As a business originally supported by the charity, we are delighted to support Youth Business Scotland in continuing to cultivate this entrepreneurial environment.”
Councillor Buchanan, convener of Economic Development Committee, City of Edinburgh Council said: “The City of Edinburgh Council is delighted to support the work of Youth Business Scotland in their quest to help young people enter the world of self-employment, and equip them with the business skills needed to succeed.”
The regional awards also recognised the expertise, mentoring advice and inspiration of aftercare adviser, Mr Dave Martin who was named Edinburgh’s regional Volunteer of the Year. A Youth Business Scotland regional manager assists with everything from compiling a business plan to securing premises.
Once the business is up and running, an aftercare adviser is appointed, all of whom are experts in their fields. They work as volunteers for the organisation, with the sole aim of helping young entrepreneurs sustain their business and offering them crucial advice during the first two years in business.
Mr Martin will go forward and have the chance of winning the coveted title of ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at the national award finals in November.
Ends
Issued on behalf of Youth Business Scotland by Jen Nash, Panache Communications t. 07971 466 220 e. jen@panachecommunications.co.uk For further information contact, Youth Business Scotland regional manager, Grant Laidlaw on tel 0131 347 9831 or Margaret Gibson/Louise Moore at Youth Business Scotland head office on Tel no. 0141 248 4999.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) is now known as The Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland and is part of The Prince’s Trust.
Tim Cocking, Brightcare at Home, info@brightcare.co.uk, 0131 524 8181/07956 173 473
Steven Sibbald, Springboard Europe Limited, steven.sibbald@springboardb2b.co.uk, 07788 584809
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