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Scotland’s Most Creative Young Entrepreneur and Most Outstanding Young Person Finalists announced

The finalists for JCI Scotland’s most creative young entrepreneur and most outstanding young person have been announced.

The finalists for the Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) award are Colin McMurray of Clyde Marine Training, Emma Little of ExecSpace, James Watt of BrewDog and Jamie Hutcheon of Cocoa Ooze. The finalists for The Outstanding Young Person (TOYP) are Dr Andrew Murray and fundraiser Lindsay Robertson. The winners will be announced at a prestigious drinks reception in Glasgow on 12 August

Run by Junior Chamber International Scotland (JCI), JCI launched the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award Competition, internationally in 2006, in partnership with the Flanders District of Creativity, an initiative of the Belgium Government.

“The competition is geared towards business people who use imagination and creativity in their business enterprise,” said Maggie Georgopoulos, awards director. “That could be any number of things, including using creativity in product development, service development, or even in the way they approach the market. The key is how they have tackled something in a fresh way, using their talent, imagination and ingenuity to drive their business and I am delighted we have four very worthy finalists”.

Colin McMurray: Showing true entrepreneurial acumen in a climate of ecomomic downturn, Colin McMurray has managed to both expand and diversify his company Clyde Marine Training based in Glasgow. Coming into business in 2004 with a lack of business experience, he used enthusiasm and common sense to open up four new divisions within the company. He is also a strong believer in giving back to the community and follows this through with actions in contributing to his local environment.

Emma Little: After taking the plunge in 2008, and leaving her previously high paid job with Vodafone, Emma set out to create her vision for ExecSpace. This started in Glasgow as a one-(wo)man show, with it soon expanding to the current team of six. Emma has expanded her business to a 2.5million pound concern, in a time of economic uncertainty. Emma has a unique way of running her conference and business accommodation business and has shown true entrepreneurial spirit in making it happen.

Jamie Hutcheon: Jamie identified a gap in the market when he was working as a chef. From making small boxes of chocolate for friends and family, Jamie who is based in Aberdeenshire, is now a fully fledged chocolatier. Sumptuous luxury, decadent presentation and flawless service are the trademarks of Cocoa Ooze's high end chocolate products and best of all this is being made and sold right here in Scotland!

James Watt: With his "off the wall" and sometimes quite rebellious, approach to business, James has set up and grown BrewDog to employ over 50 local people in the North East fishing town of Fraserburgh. In fact in only 4 years of business he can not only boast a 4 million pound turn over in 2010 but has 4 retail outlets and is the largest independent brewery in Scotland. With his bold and ambitious determination James is set to have an effect on embryo businesses in the future - the "BrewDog Way".

The JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) Programme recognises young people who excel in their chosen fields and exemplify the best attributes of the world’s young people. By recognising these young people, JCI encourages them and others to seek excellence and serve others. It’s just one way that JCI contributes to preparing better leaders, who will create better societies.

“The TOYP Program recognises the achievements of young people in categories ranging from business accomplishments and humanitarian efforts to outstanding leadership, medical and cultural achievements” said Suzanne Shinnie President JCI Scotland

“We want our country to be well-represented at this inspirational international program that honours young people who excel in their field. We know our exceptional youth can act as role models for other young people around the world and it is fantastic we have two very strong candidates for this award.”

Dr. Andrew Murray: Andrew, originally from Aberdeen and now living in Edinburgh, will be no stranger to his Nation. He has both published his own articles in his field as an Event and Expedition doctor, and been interviewed for his outstanding achievements with his passion as a semi professional runner. He is inspiring thousands worldwide with his public speaking, charity works and his athletic abilities, not only making people in the Western world raise their awareness of physical activity, but also in improving the lives of so many in less fortunate areas.

Lindsay Robertson: With her sustained commitment to her volunteer work since she received the Global Exchange awards for being the greatest fund raiser in 2008, Lindsay, from Aberdeen has faced challenges and hardships above and beyond the call of duty for a volunteer worker. From the worst slums in Thika, Kenya, to the streets of Sierra Leone, she has devoted here time, effort and generosity to providing hope to some of the world's most underprivileged children. Whether she is sitting in a thatched hut with Paramount Chiefs discussing issues facing local children, or creating sustainable sources of income and jobs in Makeni, Lindsay is the personification of the JCI Value; that service to humanity is the best work of life.

One winner from each of the 2 categories will be announced on Friday 12 August at drinks reception in Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel. There will also be the opportunity to hear from key note speaker Petra Weitzel, founder of West brewery. The panel of Judges for the competition are Sir Moir Lockhead, former Chief Executive of First Group, Mick Jackson founder of Scottish charity WildHearts, Olivia Giles, former International TOYP winner and JCI Scotland National President Suzanne Shinnie.

The two winners from the Scottish award will automatically be entered into the International awards programme. From the International programmes, ten winners are selected from all over the world for TOYP and three finalists and one overall winner for CYEA. These winners and finalists will receive a free round-trip airline ticket to attend the JCI World Congress which this year is in Brussels in November. The prize package also includes a free hotel stay at the congress headquarters hotel, and one free JCI World Congress registration. One winner will be selected by a panel of international judges as the 2011 JCI Top Creative Young Entrepreneur in the world and 10 winners will carry the title of 2011 Most Outstanding Young Person in the world.

Past Scotland winners who have been honoured as one of the ten outstanding young people of the world include Evelyn Glennie and Olivia Giles.

For more information on the competitions please visit www.jciscotland.com. Please request tickets for 12 August by e-mailing info@jciscotlandcyea.co.uk

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