Local Business Successes Recognised
Unlocking Cornish Potential press release
The brightest stars of Cornwall's business community were recognised at the Hub Awards 2008 ceremony last week, proudly sponsored by Unlocking Cornish Potential, Combined Universities in Cornwall and Business Link.
Now in its fourth year, the awards are held by the Hub, Cornwall's dynamic business network, to celebrate the success of young entrepreneurs and those new to business.
The event featured a keynote speech from Iain Scott, who with his project Enterprise Island inspires and motivates new entrepreneurs to set up their own business.
Local entrepreneur and event organiser Andrew Weaver of Live Events South West said: "These winners represent the future of business in Cornwall, and they absolutely deserve to be recognised for their passion, innovation and hard work."
Allyson Glover, Head of Graduate Placements at Unlocking Cornish Potential, headed up the judging panel for the awards and commented: "It was refreshing and inspiring to see so many people embracing business and making a success of it in Cornwall."
"We were so impressed with the enthusiasm and vision amongst these entrepreneurs and employees - the future of business in Cornwall is certainly safe in their hands."
Unlocking Cornish Potential was pleased to see two graduates who had been through the programme up on stage receiving awards. Chris Wills, of Murrell Associates, won the Employee of the Year award after he left his role within an established firm to go on to be instrumental in development of a new practice.
Graham Donaldson, from TRAC Services, won the award for Hub Contributor of the Year - nominated by the Hub Committee. Graham got involved with the Hub during his UCP placement with TRAC and has gone on to play a vital role within the network. Graham commented: "I wouldn't be here without UCP; the programme gave me the opportunity to start my career in Cornwall and grow both within my company and the business community."
Rachel Picken, Hub committee member said: "Graham Donaldson is a true ambassador for the Hub. His friendly face at events welcomes new members and he can always be relied on to bring friends and help grow our membership. We need members like Graham to ensure we are working towards our goals."
Other awards winners were:
Aren Grimsham, from UkNetWeb, as Innovator of the Year.
Claire Eason-Bassett, from Event Cornwall, for Best Business Start-up
Joss Price, from Boutique Retreats, as Entrepreneur of the Year
The awards marked the start of UCP's new and stronger relationship with the The Hub, as it becomes a corporate sponsor. The Hub holds monthly networking events at different venues throughout Cornwall. Originally set up to support businesspeople under 30, the network now welcomes members of all ages. For more information visithttp:// http:// www.cornwallhub.org.