A Frenchman and a Brazilian woman have been named as Fife's top young entrepreneurs. And keeping to the international feel, two Polish brothers were named as runners-up in the 2010 Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) young entrepreneur of the year awards held in Aberdour on Thursday.
Raphael Metayer and Carina Neubert Favero, the founders of the St Andrews Golf Experience, were announced as regional winners and were presented with a £1000 cash prize by Ken Munro, HR director of Babcock, and will now be considered by the judging panel to be entered into the national final taking place in Glasgow in November.
Six of the 18 regional winners are selected to compete for the coveted national title of PSYBT young entrepreneur of the year and the opportunity to win an additional £2000. Raphael (31) came to Scotland from his native France in 2004 to gain experience in the golf industry and study for a BA in golf management. Brazilian-born Carina Neubert Favero (23) arrived in Scotland three years later and has a BA Honours in hospitality and extensive experience within the hospitality sector. The pair are fluent in five languages enabling them to sell their golf tours of Scotland to the European market, a segment previously under-developed by their competitors. Since they launched the business in 2008, they have welcomed over 500 visitors to Fife and the rest of Scotland.
The runners-up were Polish-born brothers Arthur (30) and Simon Krolczyk (26), who set up their company Arthur and Simon Garden Maintenance in 2008. The Kirkcaldy company now employs three full-time staff and benefits from a regular clientele of over 40 customers.
As runners-up, they received £500 from Fife Council.
PSYBT regional manager Fiona Turnbull said, "Our regional finalists have demonstrated ambition, courage and determination to set up and develop their own businesses. Youth enterprise is something to be recognised and applauded and we wish them all the best for the national final."
Mr Munro, representing sponsors Babcock, added, "These awards are a showcase of Scotland's most talented young business entrepreneurs. Their creativity, determination and innovation will help them carve out successful futures for themselves and also benefit local economies and communities throughout Scotland.
"We are delighted to be involved and look forward to following their future success."
The regional awards also recognised the expertise, mentoring advice and inspiration of panel member Bill Kowbel, who was named Fife's regional volunteer of the year. Mr Kowbel will go forward and have the chance of winning the coveted title of volunteer of the year at the national award finals in November.
