The finalists in this year’s prestigious Rotherham Youth Enterprise Awards have been announced with ten aspiring young entrepreneurs competing to win the overall title of ‘Rotherham’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ – and a £1,000 prize to support the continued growth of their enterprise – at an awards ceremony at Magna Science Adventure Centre on November 13th.
Those shortlisted included a cruelty-free bath product retailer, the producer and retailer of hand-made award winning preserves, and an online job advertisement platform offering a fresh perspective on the recruitment industry.
Part of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) Project, which provides help and support to young business owners, the awards take place annually in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise – a subsidiary of Tata Steel tasked with assisting the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry.
The award categories the entrants will be competing in include: ‘Business Most Determined to Succeed’, ‘Most Innovative Business’, ‘Best Customer Service’, ‘Best Business Online Presence’ and, new for 2017, ‘Best Business Pitch’ following the final part of the process, a pitch to the judging panel on the 3rd November.
This year’s judging panel comprises industry experts from AESSEAL, Parkgate Shopping, University Centre Rotherham, Fortem, The Source Retail Skills Academy and UKSE, with the winners due to be recognised at the awards ceremony on November 13th at Magna Science Adventure Centre, which makes up part of a wider careers and opportunities event targeted at young people across the region.
Darren McDool, Business Coach from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, commented: “The calibre of the candidates that entered this year has been exceptional. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading the submissions and are privileged to have been invited to learn more about these businesses and the truly entrepreneurial young individuals in our region.”
“Previous winners have gone on to do great things, capitalising on the exposure that this accolade provides, so we are pleased to see another group of really strong candidates on this year’s shortlist.”
Rotherham Youth Enterprise, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to equip the young people of Rotherham with the enterprise skills that they need to make a success of their future and to contribute to the economy in the borough.
Keith Williams, UKSE, commented: “The work of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise, and their dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs and economic growth, is well aligned to the UK Steel Enterprise ethos, and we are delighted to be once again sponsoring these awards.
“The entries have been excellent, and we’re looking forward to further recognising the success of the winners at the awards ceremony on the 13th.”
The shortlisted entrants are as follows:
• Jordan Mangnall (20) of Jaded Heart Ltd. Jaded Heart Ltd. is a retailer of cruelty free bath and body products and was launched in February 2017 by Jordan fuelled by the desire to offer affordable aromatherapy and relaxation products. Jaded Heart also stocks alternative clothing and accessories.
• Lauren Martin (24) of Doll&Bone. Doll&Bone is an online, independent fashion retailer, launched in May 2015 by Lauren and her partner. Doll&Bone, now a recognised name in the alternative clothing and fashion community, is currently working on a unique collaboration with Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity inspired by their seven-year-old son’s imagination, incorporating a plethora of children’s television and movie characters into the unique design.
• Abby Johnson (27) of Edit Salon. Edit Salon is a boutique, contemporary hair salon and flagship store for the Aveda eco-friendly, plant-based product range. Alongside offering haircuts, colours and styles, the salon also offers HD Brows, spray tanning, facial treatments and nails.
• Amy Walker (25) of Ye Old Yorkshire Preserve Shoppe. Ye Old Yorkshire Preserve Shoppe is the producer and seller of award winning natural preserves and chutneys with no artificial additives, preservatives, setting agents and colourings. All products are hand-crafted in the heart of Yorkshire, no machinery in sight.
• Tom Ridgeway (25) of Cutthroats Barbershop. Cutthroats Barbershop is a traditional barbershop offering haircuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves and advice on how to stay well groomed. Based on Moorgate in the heart of Rotherham, the barbers has been nominated in the Rotherham Advertiser Retailer Awards 2015in the Shoppers’ Choice Favourite Hair & Beauty Business award category, and came runners up.
• Katie Ferrie (25) of Knead Bakery. Knead Bakery is a locally-sourced coffee shop and artisan bakery that produces homemade breads, pastries and cakes, providing delicious breakfasts, brunches, lunches and afternoon teas.
• Adam Price (21) of Dynomodels. Dynomodels is one of the largest specialist shops in the area, stocking a wide range of quality remote controlled models, parts and accessories from all the well-known brands throughout the remote controlled hobby industry.
• Sam Wilkinson (25) of Postify. Postify is an online job advertisement platform that provides flat-fee recruitment consultancy, initiated to revolutionise the outdated recruitment industry and bring a fresh new approach to recruitment.
• Emily Dawson (27) of Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective. Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective is a boutique style tattoo and piercing studio residence to 14 artists, located in the flagship Imperial Buildings, Rotherham Town Centre.
• Lucy Hornsby (19) of Lucy Amber Lingerie. Lucy Amber Lingerie is an online store selling handmade lingerie and nightwear. All items are lovingly designed and handmade by Lucy Amber in the UK.
Last years’ winner of Rotherham’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Chloe Pretty of Pretty Suds, – which crafts an alternative to supermarket bought soap, selling bath, body, scented and wax handmade products online to happy customers all over the country – commented: “Pretty Suds has gathered in momentum as a result of the ongoing business advice and support I have received from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, and I have also acquired office and workshop space made available in a business incubation centre, which would not have been possible without my success at the Rotherham Youth Enterprise Awards.”
