Fortrose and Inverness youngsters lead the way in Young Enterprise awards
The business leaders of the future have been recognised at the Highland and Moray regional finals of the Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme.
Budding entrepreneurs from Fortrose Academy lifted the top prize of Highland and Moray company of the year at the awards ceremony held at the Strathpeffer Pavilion on Tuesday night.
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Trading as Solasta, the team was recognised for its expertise in designing, producing and selling its intergenerational journals which encourage families to connect and record their memories. Solasta also won the awards for best presentation and best company report.
Solasta now go through to the Young Enterprise Scotland national finals in May where teams from the Highlands and Moray have won the top award nine times over the last 17 years, competing against 16 other Scottish regions.
Runners up in the overall company of the tear category was Inverness Royal Academy’s Reed and Relax with its range of handmade reed diffusers designed and produced by the team.
Bear-Tastic, also from Inverness Royal Academy, won the awards for innovation and best trade stand while Millburn Academy’s Fior took home awards for marketing and communications and best financial management.
Eco-Heat from Culloden Academy picked up the sustainability award with team member Hannah Marsden winning the pioneering leadership award.
Charleston Academy’s Joanna MacDonald won the impact award.
The Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme for Highland and Moray runs in partnership with local schools to encourage young people to experience the challenges of running a business.
Over the course of a year teams learn how to run a successful business by designing and making products, marketing them and managing the financial side. The scheme is aimed at 15 to 19-year-olds and teams are supported by teachers, a volunteer business adviser from the local community, and a Young Enterprise Scotland area team.
Linda Thomas, chairwoman of Young Enterprise Highland and Moray, said: “Every year our judges are amazed at the extraordinary results delivered by all our teams.
“The competition was incredibly close run but the creativity, determination and hard work demonstrated by all the students was truly inspirational. They all delivered results they thought were impossible at the start of the year and pushed themselves to succeed, sometimes in very difficult circumstances.
“For young people the prospect of launching themselves into the world of work can be daunting. Taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme gives them the skills and work ethic to succeed and navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
