The Livewire Hall of Fame
We are proud to launch our own Hall of Fame. Demonstrating the success and longevity of young businesses, the 2006 inductees represent a wealth of talent that we've seen over the 24 year history of the Livewire programme. The first six inductees are...
England East and South East
Christina K - Tunbridge Wells
Christina K has finally put Tunbridge Wells on the map for fine couture. Krystyna Kuszyk-Yeoman's business creates bespoke, hand made, classic and designer wedding dresses. The gowns are made from the finest fabrics and have a complementary range of bridesmaid's dresses to match. Krystyna, who is 27 years old, is about to open a second shop right next door to her current outlet. This will allow her to expand her unique range of shoes, veils and accessories.
England North
Blastaway UK Ltd
Blastaway UK Ltd. is a jet washing and industrial cleaning service. Since winning the Shell Livewire Awards in 2004 the business has expanded significantly. Blastaway now employs 11 full-time and 3 part-time staff and has provided training opportunities for 10 people through New Deal.
The company's core business now lies in finalising new build or refurbished properties for the eventual occupants. With over £100 000 turnover this year the company is continuing to grow.
England Central & Southern
Carpet-Burns - Derby
Carpet-Burns was formed in 2002 by Applied Artist Kelly Atkins to specialize in the design, development and manufacture of sustainable materials and products. Kelly had what is now known as her "light bulb" moment whilst ironing, when an accident left a hard plastic surface on the carpet. This lead to a three year material research project in which Kelly wanted to prove that a throwaway item which would usually go directly to landfill could instead be turned it into a new product which was fun, functional and had a long second life.
Carpet-Burns has developed into a design company at the forefront of sustainability and sole suppliers of HTC (heat treated carpet) a new and environmentally friendly material, the carpet is collected as waste from the carpet manufactures or distributors.
Once the material has been through the patented recycling process (a bit like a giant cheese toasty maker) the material can be moulded into almost any 3D form and is available in either matt or a highly polished finish in a range of sizes and thickness.
Northern Ireland
Protosport - Portadown
Alan's original business 'Protoplas', an innovative system of plastic repair for the motor industry, won him Northern Ireland's first ever Shell Livewire Award. After 12 years the business had reached its peak, and looking for a new challenge he sold on parts of the business which are still operational today.
Taking his passion for motorsport and recognising the potential for growth, he established Protosport in 1996 which through 'Alltrak Rallysport' offers customers the chance to race buggies, compete on quad bikes and take part in rally competitions. A further branch of the business promotes rally events for customers with their own rally cars. Protosport is the only promoter in the UK & Ireland that can provide competitive rallying for children from 12 years of age, thus ensuring a bright future for rallying in Ireland.
Wales
QDM Aviation Ltd
Sam was a winner at the North West Wales Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
in 2005 and went on to win the High Growth Business Award in the Wales final of
that year.
Sam started his business at the age of 20 when he took over the flying school
at Caernarfon Airport. Over the next two years the flying school quadrupled the
amount of flying hours from 750 to 3,000 annually and added three aircraft to
its fleet. The company then bought the airport in September 2005 and now
provides pleasure flights, refuelling facilities, flight training, restaurant
and hangarage facilities. Future development includes a new terminal and
further flight training programmes.
Scotland
The Maitland Partnership
Gary started his business in 1992 and went on to win both the Scottish and the UK title of Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year 1993.
After selling the company in 1996 he went on to work with the British Ambassador in Paraguay developing an economic development strategy. In 1997 he started his current business, a private sector business consultancy focused on delivering growth. This business has grown significantly and now delivers a range of programmes across Scotland.
He is a long standing support of Livewire and a keen promoter of business creation to young people across Scotland. In 2005 he received The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
