TOP AWARD FOR VISIONARY YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

A young entrepreneur from Motherwell, scooped a top prize for his 'visionary' business and a cheque for £2,000 on Tuesday 20th January.

Stephen Ng from Motherwell - a software developer who is Managing Director of Cubic Blue Ltd has been announced as the winner of the Most Visionary business prize, from BT and the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT).

This year, 13 companies were shortlisted for the coveted prize of Most Visionary Company.

The winners were announced at a presentation held at the Living Room in Edinburgh, with an audience of business leaders and chief executives from industry organisations including John Downie of the Federation of Small Businesses and Bill Furness of the Chamber of Commerce.

Less than three months ago, Stephen's business was selected along with 13 others. The judges were so impressed with his business that he has now been selected as the overall winner of the Most Visionary prize for the year, scooping a further cheque for £2,000 as well as the prestigious title.

Stephen, who holds both a Masters degree in Software Development and a Bachelors degree in Electronics, realised there was a market for offering companies a wider range of solutions. After extending his own training, he now develops new strategies for companies.

Cubic established a solid reputation and built an impressive client base, winning contracts from national and multi-national companies.

Stephen said: "I'm so pleased that my training, networking and marketing strategies have paid off, both in terms of contracts and this fantastic award. In the early stages of setting up a company like Cubic Blue Ltd, the priority is to establish credibility in the marketplace. The publicity and prestige of winning an entrepreneur award adds to my reputation and will help to further strengthen my portfolio of clients."

In the past four years, BT has invested £178,000 in the innovative entrepreneur scheme and today the organisation announced that it has committed a further £40,000 to support young entrepreneurs.

Head of communications for BT Scotland Alan Bonas said: "It is very rewarding to be able to assist new entrepreneurs and younger members of the business community through this initiative. Forward-thinking business people such as Stephen are helping to create an entrepreneurial and socially inclusive Scotland."

PSYBT Chief Executive Mark Strudwick added: "Today's announcement that BT is supporting the scheme for the fifth consecutive year is excellent news for young people who are thinking of setting up or expanding their fledgling companies. Entrepreneurship now plays such an important role in growing the country's economy. We're delighted this partnership will continue to help young entrepreneurs, like the founder of Cubic Blue Ltd, to promote themselves to a wider audience."