Winners Announced in The 2008 Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards

 The winners of The 2008 Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards were announced last night at a glittering awards ceremony at Carden Park Hotel near Chester.

Sponsored by Barclays Commercial Bank for the second year running, the Awards are designed to find a generation of role models. Initially created to encourage entrepreneurs in the North West, this year the Awards were extended to the Wolverhampton area and new categories were introduced. In addition to over £100,000 of cash prizes, the winners and runners up will also receive valuable professional services from the sponsor and supporters of the Awards. 

Curiosity Research Ltd of Merseyside was awarded the £25,000 first prize in the Best New Business category. Carl Wong set up Curiosity Research to be the action-orientated research consultancy he always wanted to work with, but rarely found, as a client-side buyer. Established just over three years ago, Judges were impressed with their phenomenal growth and future ambition. Already employing ten people they are keen to expand the team creating more jobs in Merseyside. 

The Best Young Entrepreneur first prize of £10,000 was awarded to Trendy Vend. Kayleigh, Talia and Gerard Baccino of Liverpool produce stylish vending machines for the female washroom. The machines incorporate an LCD advertising screen which they hope to use to support public awareness campaigns. Only very recently launched, their energy and passion stood out in a very competitive category.

All Saints Action Network of Wolverhampton walked away with the top prize of £10,000 in the Best Entrepreneurial Social Enterprise or Charity category. Founded in 1995 by a group of residents from the area of All Saints who were angry at the decline of their local economy and lack of opportunities for their young people, the charity now runs four businesses and a range of community projects. If offers traineeships and volunteering schemes, has built an all weather flood-lit sports facility and this year has created a managed workspace in a former primary school. Judges praised their sustainability and the way they had harnessed community spirit into action that benefits all.

The top prize of £10,000 in the Best Business providing Economic and/or Social Contribution was awarded to Kate Gorst of Altru Drama Ltd of Liverpool. Altru Drama is a ‘theatre in education’ company delivering high quality, sustainable drama performances and workshops. The company was born out of a desire to use drama as a tool for social and personal change. Its mission is to enable individuals and communities to deliver a message effectively, build confidence and self esteem, encourage cohesion and, above all, to develop their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Kate’s passion for her work and commitment to social change wowed the judges in another very competitive category. 

The finale to the night was the emotional Against All Odds prize of £25,000 which was awarded to Charlotte Hollins of Fordhall Community Land Initiative. The farm in North Shropshire was saved from development in June 2006 when over 8000 people purchased non-profit making £50 shares. Now owned by its shareholders, the land and house are leased to Ben and Charlotte Hollins, whilst the Fordhall Community Land Initiative utilises the same land for community benefit through events, volunteering and educational visits. The judges had an incredibly difficult task of awarding this prize as the finalists were all worthy in very different ways.

Steve Morgan commenting on the awards ceremony said, “The quality of entries received this year was incredibly high. The Judges have had a very challenging time deciding who to award the prizes to. I have been particularly delighted with the entrepreneurialism demonstrated by the charity and social enterprise finalists. The money and professional service prizes awarded will offer a real boost to their organisations and make a big difference to the communities they serve.” 

John Powell, Corporate Director, Barclays Commercial Bank and Chairman of the judging panel, said: “The calibre of this year’s entries was exceptional and Barclays Commercial Bank is proud to support the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards for the second year running. Every year we help around 80,000 fledgling entrepreneurs get started in business across the UK. Every single one of them aims to be a positive influence on their local community. I’d like to congratulate all the entrants and we hope their stories will inspire other budding entrepreneurs, to come forward and turn their own business dreams into a reality.”

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