FITNESS fanatic, Kirsty MacArthur, has been named Dunbartonshire’s top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2013 Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland Young Entrepreneur (PTYBS) Awards.
The 27 year-old founder of MacArthur Leisure Ltd (trading as Curves Bishopbriggs) was announced as the regional winner at a ceremony at Dumbuck House Hotel in Dumbarton.
She was presented with a £1,000 cash prize by Craig Kehoe, customer service manager of Chivas Brothers, sponsors of this year’s award.
Curves Bishopbriggs is a facility specially designed for women, featuring a complete 30-minute workout and weight management program that is fun, fast and safe.
Kirsty MacArthur was employed at the club for siz years, and when the opportunity came up to buy the franchise in August 2011, she jumped at the chance.
With funding from the PTYBS, Kirsty was given the keys to her new franchise business.
Since then, the young entrepreneur has achieved a considerable increase in profits, turning what was a loss-making operation into a very successful venture.
Curves Bishopbriggs now offers complete 30-minute workout and weight management plans, body measurements, goal setting coaching, weight loss instruction, personal one to one sessions, advanced programmes, Curves Circuit with Zumba, Powerhoop, Diet FX products, shakes and supplements to help aid weight loss.
Kirsty employs five staff and has recently introduced new concepts, such as Powerhoop, Bridal Boot Camp and Bikini Boot Camp.
The runner-up is 25 year-old Jennifer Boyle, founder of Café Crème in Bearsden.
At the start of this year, Jennifer and her sisters decided to pursue their dreams of opening and running a coffee shop in their local area.
In April, they were awarded a Market Test Grant by the PTYBS and having identified a demand in the local area of Bearsden, Jennifer left full-time employment and opened Café Crème.
Specialising in home cooking and baking, visitors to the Café are also attracted by the wide range of breakfast options, light lunches, teas, coffees and sweet treats. Jennifer and her sisters have recently expanded the business to provide a catering service and personalised menus for various events.
Café Crème also offers work placements and experience to pupils in local schools and colleges, and has cemented good partnerships with other local businesses and are regular donators to charity events.
East Dunbartonshire Council sponsored the runner-up prize and West Dunbartonshire Council co-sponsored the awards.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland regional support executive, Ken Robertson, said: “Both these young entrepreneurs have exemplified determination, the will to succeed and the ability to turn a good idea into a viable business. They are great role models for other young people and deserving winners of these awards.”
Craig Kehoe, of Chivas Brothers, added: “We are delighted to celebrate the determination and innovation of our young people by recognising and rewarding their achievements through these awards.”
Ends
Issued on behalf of Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland by Jen Nash, Panache Communications t. 07971 466 220 e. jen@panachecommunications.co.uk For further information contact, Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland Regional Manager, Ken Robertson on 07817806699.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About The Prince’s Trust
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people to get their lives on track. It supports 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion. Many of the young people helped by The Prince’s Trust are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or they have been in trouble with the law. The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training. The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped 750,000 young people since 1976 and supports over 100 more each day. Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842.
KIRSTY MACARTHUR CAN BE CONTACTED ON TEL. 0141 762 0444
JENNIFER BOYLE CAN BE CONTACTED ON TEL. 0141 942 2324
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Contact: Jen Nash
Phone: 07971466220
Email: jen@panachecommunications.co.uk
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