Young people ‘Just Say Yes’ to business with Young Enterprise

Local charity, Young Enterprise, with support from Ulster University Business School and EY, staged its annual awards ceremony where it crowned the top businesses and individuals who have developed entrepreneurship skills this year.

Snow Patrol’s Jonny Quinn surprised students with a message from the headquarters of his own enterprise Polar Patrol Publishing.

He said “I also started my own business five years ago in music publishing. I found it a lot tougher than I imagined but also really exciting to see my small idea grow into a real business. Northern Ireland has always punched above its weight in music, the arts and in sport. It’s your turn as young entrepreneurs to make Northern Ireland a hotbed for innovation in business.”

Banbridge Academy’s students started an innovative business named ‘Snaps’ offering a service in event photography producing instant keyrings and gifts for guests.

Dromore High School student Sophie Fletcher also attended the event as one of six nominees for the Entrepreneur of the Future award.

Professor Marie McHugh, Dean of Ulster Business School commented on the school’s relationship with Young Enterprise NI: “Working alongside Young Enterprise is an ideal way to prepare our young people for the world of business. The Ulster Business School is delighted to support the Young Enterprise Awards and to help celebrate the many outstanding achievements of students on the Company and Team Programmes, inspiring them to create and run their own business.”

Young Enterprise Northern Ireland is part funded by the Department of Education with support from the business sector. For more information and to see how you can support and get involved visit yeni.co.uk.