Newbuildings businesswoman shortlisted for award

NEWBUILDINGS businesswoman Christine Kelly has been shorlisted for a National Vocational Learner of the Year Award 2010.

The local entrepreneur recently completed a diploma in Small Business Financial Management at the North West Regional College and she will be joined by her parents and her former tutor Anne-Marie Deehan at the awards ceremony in the Culloden Hotel on June 23.

Upon completing her diploma Christine wasted no time in putting it to good use and opened Pure and Simple coffee shop in Newbuildings last November.

Speaking at the time Christine explained her motivation: "Being a resident of Newbuildings for most of my life I realised that Newbuildings community very much needed a neighbourhood centred place where friends and neighbours can meet in a neutral setting. A relaxing informal place to serve freshly roasted coffee and good wholesome homemade food.

"We are unique in the area as presently there are no other sit-in establishments of this kind for miles. I have tried to make Pure & Simple coffee shop just like its name….. pure fresh food and simple menu ideas.

Vocation Qualification Day is a national celebration of vocational qualifications for students, teachers and employers. Last year 3.6 million vocational qualifications were awarded and millions of people will achieve similar success this year.

VQ Day was launched in 2008 to raise the stature of practical and vocational learning and celebrate vocational achievement. The 3rd annual VQ Day will take place nationwide on 23rd June 2010.