Entrepreneuring Awards, celebrating the #GoDo journey
Celebrating the #GoDo journey of Ayrshire Chiclets, the Entrepreneuring Awards, which took place in the Hatchery yesterday, saw entrepreneurs walk away with between £1,000 to £6,000 for their business.
Entrepreneurs on board Entrepreneurial Spark’s business accelerator programme in Ayrshire gathered together yesterday, Wednesday 20th July, to take part in the prestigious Entrepreneuring Awards. The Entrepreneuring Awards give a total of £255,000 to recognise and celebrate the hard work and determination of ambitious entrepreneurs across the UK.
Taking place in tandem with eight other events across the country, and run in partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, KPMG and EMC, the Chiclets were in with a chance of winning their share of the £16,000 prize money.
Awarded to those who have achieved great results, truly embraced the entrepreneurial mindsets and behaviours, and who have become credible, backable and investable, lucky entrepreneurs from the Ayrshire Hatchery walked away with up to £6,000 for their business.
Who was crowned Entrepreneur of the Moment?
The main award of the evening, Entrepreneur of the Moment, was awarded to Scott Weir, founder of Pillow, alongside a cash prize of £6,000, to help take his business, which is focused on matching holiday home owners with quality guests from around the world, to the next level.
Entrepreneurial Spark believes Scott has what it takes to create a truly outstanding business. The business has a UK wide agenda and by continuing into the Nest Scott and his team have a further 12 months to use the £6,000 prize to fast track other regions into the portfolio, making Pillow a growing property brand.
Which Chiclet proved they have truly accelerated their business?
Dual Fitness, a start-up community based gym, walked away with the Acceler-8 award and £4,000. From increased turnover each month, polished business processes, new revenue streams, clearer vision for the future and personal development, Dual Fitness has really embraced the Entrepreneurial Spark programme.
Who impressed their Enablers by showing true dedication and a #GoDo attitude?
Awarded to two entrepreneurs who put real effort and relentless energy into everything they do, and who are true believers in delivering great results with a #GoDo mindset, the following Chiclets were awarded the #GoDo prize and £1,500 for their business:
Empower, founded by Steph Green, aims to be Ayrshire’s first hot yoga studio. Steph has been highly engaged at all stages of the programme and embraced opportunities with enthusiasm. Steph’s £1,500 prize comes as architects are working on the drawings for her first studio.
Arena HR was founded by Laura Rennie, who’s amazing spirit and #GoDo attitude to get out of her comfort zone has led to her being awarded the #GoDo prize. The business has already secured various large retainers with other potential projects in the pipeline. Committed to the programme and with a strong entrepreneurial mindset, Laura plans to grow her team over the next six months and this award will help with the process.
Which Chiclet has impressed his or her fellow entrepreneurs?
Nominated by her fellow entrepreneurs, Fiona Gowling, founder of Bitz Bags, was presented with the Chiclet Choice award and £1,000 as a result of her hard work, determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
Who was pitch perfect on the night?
Eight Ayrshire Chiclets took to the stage, and White Rabbit Skincare and Treasure, impressed the judges with their 60 second pitch and walked away with £1,000 each for their business.
Lucy-Rose Walker, co-founder and Chief Entrepreneuring Officer at Entrepreneurial Spark, commented: “I would like to say a massive well done to all of our winners at last night’s Entrepreneuring Awards. It’s fantastic to see so many of our Ayrshire Chiclets come on leaps and bounds since they joined us, from raising substantial investment through to securing impressive contracts and creating new jobs.
“The Entrepreneuring Awards offer a great opportunity to reflect on successes achieved to date, and consider what needs to be done over the coming six months to really grow and scale your business and continue to #GoDo.
“So you didn’t win last night well that’s ok…dust yourself down and look ahead to the next stage. Entrepreneurs have grit and perseverance to push through the good and the bad and that is what makes them excel at what they do. Take the time to reflect on what you now need to do, take inspiration from the winners, make a plan and then take action to get the result that you want.
“Today think about asking and listening to feedback, focusing on what truly matters in this moment and always, always take action.”
Were you one of the lucky winners at the Entrepreneurial Spark Entrepreneuring Awards? Share your pictures and memories from the night on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #GoDoEntAwards and join us in celebrating the #GoDo journey.