2009 Local Role Models

Antrim Winner

Moira Gallagher - Canine Comforts

Moria, an avid dog lover always had the ambition to be her own boss and so set up her own business Canine Comforts in May 2006. The business offers all aspects of grooming for dogs in a clean and relaxed atmosphere, including general health checks and nutritional advice so that their owners can ensure the good health of their dog.

Trained by the highly acclaimed late Colin Angus, Moira believes that his passion for the dog grooming business has instilled in her added value not only for her business but also to her sense of belief in herself as an entrepreneur.

Ards Winner

Tanya English - Eden Design

Tanya’s business is two-fold with one side concentrating on graphic design, involving branding, promotion and web design and the other side providing a bespoke wedding stationery design service. 

Tanya, a conceptual thinker, states her motivation for wanting to start up Eden Design in October 2007 was the desire to achieve a better life / work balance. By taking charge of her career and starting up her own business, Tanya enjoys a greater sense of ownership over her designs and has become increasingly confident in her abilities as an entrepreneur.

Armagh Winner

Natalie Irvine - Neck of the Woods C.I.C

Natalie’s inspiration for her business followed a conversation she had with a lady on a council estate in South London who enthused of the huge success the hiring out of yurts had at a community event, in that they aided with the breaking down of barriers to participation due to their unusual and friendly structures. One might ask “What is a yurt?” and quite simply it is a round tent, with a design that originates in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan. The yurts are handmade from locally sourced materials.

Learning the craft of building yurts in Cornwall, Natalie has brought this skill to Northern Ireland’s shores and started up her own business of hiring out yurts called Neck of the Woods C.I.C. in June 2008. Offering an almost carbon neutral activity with the exception of transporting the yurt to its destination, it is a fun way to enjoy events across Northern Ireland, and still have that element of social responsibility.

Ballymena Winner

Esther Buchanan - Es-Design 

Esther started Es-Design in January 2007. The company offers clients three types of products; graphic design, wedding stationary and gifts. As an artist Esther likes to incorporate her own interpretation of Northern Ireland scenery into her work with the aim of promoting the beauty of the region to local and tourist markets.

The inspiration for Es-Design came when Ester was at Art College in Belfast. During a college project she noticed a niche in the market for a small well produced calendar incorporating local images for the domestic and global market. By using her paintings on a range of high quality gifts, providing a professional and personal design service to both local businesses and her unique wedding stationary service, Esther certainly is an inspiration to young business people in the Ballymena district.

Ballymoney Winner

Eunan McKernan - Proclean

Eunan was inspired to start up in business by his brother, who is also a cleaning contractor. Proclean commenced trading in February 2007. The company is based on domestic and commercial maintenance cleaning that includes window cleaning, power washing, pvc cleaning and carpet cleaning.

Customer satisfaction and competitive pricing is high on Proclean’s list of motivators. Using only the latest in technology to ensure the highest levels of efficiency Proclean delivers to the demands of its market.

As Proclean goes from strength to strength Eunan is still not content with stopping here, as he sets his sights high for the future of the business - just as any entrepreneur would! In the future Eunan wants Proclean to have more cleaning machines and more vehicles on the road, creating employment in the local area.

Banbridge Winner

Michael Young - Tele Pizza

Michael started Tele Pizza, an independent pizzeria in August 2006. Offering authentic Italian pizzas at affordable prices Tele Pizza boasts its good quality, modern image, warm atmosphere and high standards of customer care among the reasons for its success.

As a student Michael worked part time in a pizzeria, and it was his ability to successfully plan and think creatively to increase the sales of this business that was the driving force behind him wanting to do run a business for himself, and this is exactly what he did.

Tele Pizza has a strong customer base in Banbridge and the surrounding areas. With its online ordering facility proving increasingly popular and a reputation for a polite and friendly service, there are many reasons why this young business has been a huge success.

Belfast Winner

Ruth Little - Rollo Pollo

Rollo Pollo offers a unique alternative to traditional fast-food. The emphasis is on providing a diverse range of fresh, quality food for those who care about what they eat. Food is low-fat, healthy and prepared without colourings or flavour enhancers. Hot Rotisserie Chicken, healthy hot dishes, artisan sandwiches and gourmet, innovative ‘super-food’ salads make up the Rollo Pollo menu and epitomise the shop’s brand of: ‘natural, fresh, healthy, fast’

Based on the buoyant Lisburn Road, Rollo Pollo is really thriving with satisfied customers coming back for more and new customers popping it all the time to check it out.

Carrickfergus Winner

John Stewart -Safety and Footwear

John’s business specialises in the supply of footwear to both businesses and individual customers through a standard account system and also directly through his online shop.
With an impressive range of suppliers John’s business is a leader in its field when it comes to offering choice to their customers. 

John started up Carrickfergus Safety and Footwear in December 2008 after realising there was a gap in the market for the supply of local safety wear. By focusing his business locally and ensuring each customer receives a personable service John’s business is a local winner.

Castlereagh Winner

Tim Wareing - TWSports.Org

TWSports offers children the opportunity to play football in a pressure free environment, and welcomes children from as young as two to sixteen to join in. The business has been extended to reach children and coaches around the world by utilising their web based products.

Football has always been a passion and hobby for Tim Wareing. Though it was after he completed his football qualifications and observed the lack of youth development in sport and football that he decided to put all his interests and energy into starting up his own business.

Tim’s business has a strong customer base and he believes this is down to the fact that parents know that their children will meet new friends, have fun and develop their skills with highly qualified coaches at an affordable price.

Coleraine Winner

Ben Best - Tree of Knowledge

Tree of Knowledge is a motivational company that develops confidence and self-esteem in children, teachers, parents and employees through engaging workshops that focus on the person as opposed to their school or jobs, all of which is done in fun way. The company also provides educational resources that tie in directly with the school curriculum in areas such as enterprise and personal development.

Ben started the Tree of Knowledge in February 2008 after seeing a gap in the local market for this unique service. With an impressive list of satisfied customers from schools and businesses across Northern Ireland, it is easy to see why the Tree of Knowledge continues to attract an increasing number of clients.

Cookstown Winner

John and Louise Girvan - Tyrone Tots

Tyrone Tots sells and distributes a wide range of baby equipment throughout Ireland and the UK. Having two children themselves has really given them an insight into what it is a parent really needs, adding to the success of their business. Located on the main Cookstown to Dungannon road Tyrone Tots started in June 2007. With an online shop also available, shopping has been made as stress free as possible. 

As Tyrone Tots goes from strength to strength John and Louise are still not content with stopping here, as they set their sights high for the future of their business - just as any entrepreneurs would! They plan to source more innovative products, maximise their appearance on the web and even do their bit for the environment by recycling buggies and other baby equipment.

Craigavon Winner

Dermot French - bizTech Software

After graduating with a computer science degree from Trinity College, Dublin, Dermot gained invaluable experience working on large software applications whilst working for Lucent Technologies and the NHS. In his spare time, he began developing software applications for Tommy French Bookmakers and quickly identified a gap in the market for an efficient ePos system for independent bookmakers.

Dermot set up bizTech software in February 2006 and has developed the Arkle Product Suite including the flag ship product Arkle ePos, a bet capture and settling application for independent bookmakers.

Arkle ePos will shortly be moving to the web for online gambling. Self service touch screen terminals for betting shops are also due to be released this year.

bizTech also provides software development, integration and web design services to a host of SMEs. Arkle ePos is now used in betting shops throughout Ireland, England and Scotland with trials starting in and outside of Europe this summer.

Derry Winner

Paul Doherty - Urban 3D

Urban 3D creates 3D Architectural Animators and Property Virtual Tours. Building computer generated 3D models of proposed commercial and property developments that can be used by town planners and property developers Urban 3D is an innovative way for customers to experience life like buildings.

Paul cites creativity, entrepreneurialism and his inherent need to make his own decisions as the motivators behind him setting up Urban 3D in November 2006. Offering flexibility in the market by catering for the specific needs of its customers Urban 3D has developed a strong and impressive customer base, including the Remax Ireland group of estate agents.

Down Winner

Joanne Truesdale - Scent With Love

Scent With Love, a designer florist opened in October 2008. Encapsulating a unique artistic flair it delivers modern and contemporary floral arrangements for every occasion. 

Joanne refers to her late mother Joan as being the inspiration behind her wanting to start up in business. Scent With Love not only uses her innate artistic talent and ability to think creatively, but it has also given Joanne fulfillment in that she enjoys nothing more than a good challenge and running a business in this current climate is certainly that.

With a strong customer base, who can enjoy competitive prices and good quality products it is not difficult to understand why Scent With Love has won an Advantage Young Business Award.

Dungannon Winner

Kingsley Whiteside - KW Engineering

KW Engineering started in January this year. It designs and produces a wide variety of products, ranging from decorative gates and railings, to oil tank covers and pond covers. Not only does KW Engineering do this but the business also caters for the agricultural sector by providing a maintenance service onsite.

Kingsley was inspired to follow in his parents’ footsteps and become self-employed. He always knew he wanted to work in engineering having had a keen interest in it from a young age. Although a new business, KW Engineering has already secured a strong customer base locally, with customers enjoying competitive prices without comprising on quality.

Larne Winner

Clare Palmer - FirePoise

Clare set up FirePoise in November 2005 after returning from an extended trip around the world, and observing that no such service existed here. A trained journalist Clare always knew she wanted to run her own business. Having a love of performance art and spotting this gap in the market there was no question what route she would take.

As the only specialised fire performance group in Ireland FirePoise offers its customers only the most highly-skilled fire artists. Fire performances are available for corporate events, parties, weddings, festivals, nightclubs and parades. In fact the group recently led the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin! With an impressive client list that continues to grow year on year it is perhaps not surprising that FirePoise has been awarded an Advantage Young Business Award.

Limavady Winner

Martin, Ryan and Jonathan Tierney - Seating Matters Ltd

Seating Matters designs and manufactures specialist seating which provides postural support and comfort for individuals in the nursing and care environments. The chairs allow those who are seated for long periods of time due to illness or varying degrees of disability to be attended to correctly and to be seated more securely. A unique support package is in place from the occupational therapists and nurses at Seating Matters for therapists and customers on seating and positioning.

The brothers came up with the range of chairs after failing to find suitable products on the market. They set about designing a chair and selling it locally; and today they market a range of ten chairs throughout the UK and Ireland, Europe and Canada. The trio are certainly an inspiration to young people in the district!

Lisburn Winner

Paul Cairnduff - JCP GlassTech

JCP GlassTech specialises in spray painted coloured glass, incorporating many applications from splash backs and worktops for kitchens, to wall coverings and slide robes for bathrooms and bedrooms. As an expert in the field of glass edging and sandblasted mirror designs, one current contract for JCP Glass Tech includes creating a range of 6 different designs to be used on kitchen doors. At present the company are in the process of designing interactive magnetic slide robe mirrors for children.

As JCP GlassTech goes from strength to strength Paul is not content with stopping here, as he sets his sights high for the future of his business - just as any entrepreneur would! In the future he hopes to expand his company to allow for more in house production; incorporating more machinery, an extended production line and an increased workforce. With ambition like this it is not difficult to understand why Paul’s JCP GlassTech has won an Advantage Young Business Award.

Magherafelt Winner

Declan Diamond - DD Energy

DD Energy was set up in August 2008 in response to the large demand for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) created after the introduction of new legislation in July 2008. Although a new business, DD Energy is already well established in the Magherafelt district area and continues to expand throughout Mid Ulster and Northern Ireland.

Declan believes his clients choose DD Energy not only because of its good reputation but also because it provides a local service to local people and businesses.

As DD Energy goes from strength to strength Declan still sets his sights high for the future of his business - just as any entrepreneur would! In five to ten years time he would like DD Energy to be the number one provider of domestic and commercial EPCs in Northern Ireland and as similar legislation is introduced to the Republic he would like to expand his business down south.

Moyle Winner

Rory McCormick - Jangogolf Ltd

Jangogolf Ltd although only recently set up already demonstrates sound business acumen. As Ireland’s first online golf fashion website offering collections currently worn by European Tour professionals, golfing customers can now purchase contemporary cutting edge design, feel and style combined with a superior quality. A fresh and funky website that exudes quality and professionalism in its design has already been a real hit with its customers.

As Jangogolf Ltd continues to go from strength to strength Rory has his sights set high for the future of his business - just as any budding entrepreneur would! He believes that every business person must learn from both their successes and mistakes and that there is always room for improvement. He hopes to continue to grow Jangogolf Ltd. into a huge success and believes that that this will give him the confidence to set up further businesses in the future.

Newry and Mourne Winner

David Henderson - David Henderson Design

David runs a successful multimedia design company providing high quality web design, logo, branding, graphic design, 3D visuals and motion graphics media services. He has built up an impressive client base as demand for his bespoke, efficient and value for money service grows. Impressively he already has a number of international customers on his books.

The young business man is committed to meeting the clients’ needs, and to helping them grow their businesses and communicate through these new technologies. David truly is an inspiration to young people in the area!

Newtownabbey Winner

David and Jonathan Carter - Corporate AV Hire

Corporate AV offers audiovisual equipment solutions for meetings and events throughout the province. This can range from small systems for meetings right through to large concert style events. Equipment provided by Corporate AV includes projectors, plasma screens, a large variety of sound reinforcement equipment and conference and event lighting including staging and rigging equipment. Corporate AV Hire, “Taking the stress out of technology”

As Corporate AV goes from strength to strength the Carter brothers are not content with stopping here, as they set their sights high for the future of their business - just as entrepreneurs would! In the future they plan to incorporate a larger storage area and workshop on their premises so that they can expand their product range with more systems available for large and small events. This will in turn lead to them employing more staff that will also help to improve the local economy. With ambition like this it is not difficult to understand why David and Jonathan’s Corporate AV has won an Advantage Young Business Award.

North Down Winner

Cameron Stewart - Acts of Random Kindness (ARK)

ARK is an innovative ethically produced clothing brand. The good feeling the customer gets from purchasing such a good quality product manufactured in good working conditions, and for a good wage doesn’t end there – ARK clothing comes with a tag which suggests an Act of Random Kindness for the wearer to carry out!

Cameron showed entrepreneurial flair from a young age but he felt that he wanted more from a business than financial gain and so the concept was born. By purchasing ARK clothing the individual becomes part of a community Interested in carrying out projects to improve the community, or just to give someone a bit of a boost. Cameron and a team of ARK volunteers will be gathering in Belfast in a couple of week’s time to wash taxis free of charge. Now that is random!

Word of the unique business has traveled far as Cameron has received interest from Brazil, The Philippines, and Australia. He has big plans for the growth of the business, selling licenses across India, America and Europe. Cameron certainly is an inspiration to young people in the district!

Strabane Winner

Stephen Millar - LJ Millar and Sons

Stephen took over the family run building contractors in 2006. The company has an impressive customer base including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the National Trust. The business also specialises in workshop joinery offering a bespoke service manufacturing doors, windows, stairs and kitchens to the customer’s specification.

From an early age Stephen showed an interest in the building trade learning all he could from the family business. Since taking full responsibility of the already reputable company, Stephen intends to expand the joinery works side of the business.

LJ Millar and Sons has a team of highly trained and experienced joiners and prides itself in delivering high quality workmanship. Stephen aims to grow the business, with lucrative new contracts and by recruiting additional skilled workers. In this economic climate Stephen truly is an inspiration to young people in the district!