Shell Livewire - young entrepreneur of the year

A 26-year-old organic egg farmer and his wife have been named as Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles and Highlands Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 and have taken a major step closer to becoming the overall Scotland winner.

Gordon and Leanne (25) Whiteford, from Ardersier, won the £1,000 first prize at the Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles and Highlands final of the 2006 Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, which are supported nationally by Shell UK.

The competition, which has been running for 24 years, recognises and rewards the UK’s most outstanding young entrepreneurs with prizes across the UK, including the top prize of £10,000.

Gordon and Leanne’s business, Highland Eggs, began trading in April last year and own 3000 birds. Their hens are housed in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built building and freely roam over seven hectares, producing premium quality organic eggs that can be bought in major supermarkets throughout Scotland.

To win, Gordon and Leanne outshone other young entrepreneurs from Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles and Highlands who have recently started up their own businesses. The business duo will now represent Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles and Highlands at the Scottish final in Edinburgh on the 8th of June 2006 with the chance of winning £3,000.

The UK Final of the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards will take place in London on the 21st of June 2006.

Commenting on their success, Gordon said, “Winning the Shell Livewire award is a great boost for our business and will hopefully help it grow further. Now I’m looking forward to competing against other Scotland-based young entrepreneurs for the overall Scottish award at the final in Edinburgh in June.”

Each finalist’s business plan was scrutinised by an expert panel of judges from the Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles and Highlands area.

Congratulating Gordon and Leanne on their win, Brian Weaver, Highlands and Islands Enterprise business start-up manager, said, “The judges were very impressed by Gordon and Leanne and their business has outstanding potential. Gordon and Leanne have also shown that their enthusiasm and drive make them a real Livewire!”

James Smith, chairman, Shell UK Limited said: “Shell UK continues to deliver Shell Livewire because we understand the important role that small firms, created by enthusiastic young people, play in stimulating enterprise. We wish Gordon and Leanne every success in the future.”

Shell founded Shell Livewire in 1982 to help young people realise their potential when considering starting and running a small business. Through the Shell Livewire service young people can gain expert business advice, find links to local support, and use the unique online mentoring system for advice from successful business people who draw on their own experiences.