Local future entrepreneurs receive awards

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey has issued a special award to the overall winner of the ‘Future Students of Business’ awards.

The annual awards are run by the Association of Northern Ireland Colleges (ANIC) in conjunction with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), their aim is to reward and encourage students in Northern Ireland’s further education colleges to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

A winner from each of the 16 further education colleges received a certificate and a £300 cheque. This financial reward will provide the business students with a platform for progression in the business environment.

Speaking at the awards ceremony at Parliamentary Buildings, the Minister praised the students: “I congratulate both ANIC and FSB for initiatives just like this one and for providing a very visible mechanism which can promote and celebrate enterprising individuals in our further education sector.

“These young people are our future and we must help and encourage them to develop their skills and abilities. It is through their further education and training that we will continue to build, for Northern Ireland, a prosperous and sustainable future.”

The overall winner, 21-year-old Keith Donaghy, undertook a HND in Business in the North West Institute. Keith has already developed his own mobile disco agency called KD Entertainments and through this enterprise he has gained a very broad knowledge of the business arena and has a particular interest in e-commerce. Keith received an additional £200 award.

(JM/SP)