Celebrating success of young entrepreneurs

Two Lisburn entrepreneurs were among the winners at the Future Student of Business Awards, held recently at the Stormont Hotel.
David Cunningham, FSB Belfast South representative; Eddie Forrester, SERC and Gerry Campbell, Colleges NI with SERC finalists Catherine Martin from Lisburn, Adam McKee from Bangor and Holly Anne Rydout from Lisburn. Pic by Donal McCannDavid Cunningham, FSB Belfast South representative; Eddie Forrester, SERC and Gerry Campbell, Colleges NI with SERC finalists Catherine Martin from Lisburn, Adam McKee from Bangor and Holly Anne Rydout from Lisburn. Pic by Donal McCann
David Cunningham, FSB Belfast South representative; Eddie Forrester, SERC and Gerry Campbell, Colleges NI with SERC finalists Catherine Martin from Lisburn, Adam McKee from Bangor and Holly Anne Rydout from Lisburn. Pic by Donal McCann

Star students from Northern Ireland’s six further education colleges were honoured at the event, including three from South Eastern Regional College (SERC).

Representing SERC, and each receiving a cheque for £350 and a framed certificate, were Catherine Martin and Holly Anne Rydout, both from Lisburn, and Adam McKee from Bangor.

Holly Anne’s business idea involved soy candle making, while Catherine developed a net for runners to attach to their water bottles and hold essentials such as keys and phones.

The awards, organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in conjunction with Colleges Northern Ireland, encourage and reward students across Northern Ireland to be the ‘entrepreneurs of tomorrow’.

Congratulating the successful students, Junior Minister Alastair Ross MLA said: “Entrepreneurship is of vital importance to the economy and it is only right that it is recognised and rewarded.

“Encouraging an entrepreneurial approach to their work, and building students’ confidence to pursue self-employment as a viable alternative to seeking a job elsewhere, is crucial if we are to increase the number of businesses created here in Northern Ireland.”

Praising the successful students, SERC tutor Eddie Forester added: “We are very proud of the students’ achievements. They have demonstrated tenacity, focus and enthusiasm in order to build their businesses.”