Hull Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011

Hull Training and the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, the organisers of Hull Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011, have secured from East Riding Company, Claughtons - Furniture Solutions for teaching and learning environments, a major support package for the winner. The award is aimed at recognising a young person in their endeavour to develop their enterprising idea and be the City’s Youth Enterprise Ambassador for 12 months.


The winner of the award will be announced in Global Entrepreneurship Week in November by Hull’s Youth Enterprise Patron, former BBC Apprentice Star and Internationally known business consultant, Ruth Badger.





Claughtons have created the following package worth up to £20,000 to the young person and their business:
* Rent Free of Charge for 12 months at their offices in Melton
* Support towards their marketing campaign
* Full access to senior management at Claughtons for mentoring / support / assistance
* Gerard Toplass, Managing Director at Claughtons, will act as a non-executive Director / Chairman to provide assistance to the winning company


Councillor Steven Bayes, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration & Employment said:

“This is great news that Gerard Toplass and Claughtons are prepared to invest nearly £20,000 work of support over a year in supporting Hull’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 and clearly shows their commitment to supporting the City’s enterprising young people. It is a package that will be worth its weight in gold to any young entrepreneur in the City. This is putting CSR into practice whilst also helping our enterprising young people”

Gerard Toplass, Managing Director of Claughtons said:

“I have chosen to sponsor this award, because I am personally very committed to helping young entrepreneurs deliver on their potential. I feel that very often we identify potential but then don't follow through sufficiently, therefore, unlike normal award schemes where the winners receive recognition and a glass trophy, I want to give this years winner some real tangible help, so we are providing an office space for them, some cash to help them launch their marketing and sales strategy, and some direct mentoring and support from myself and my team at Claughtons. I firmly believe that this 'real' support will help the winner take their business to the next level, and I am confident we can help them create opportunity, employment and become a success story to inspire others"


The deadline for the completed full entry forms will be 1st November 2011 and judging will be completed by 10th November 2011. The winner will be invited to receive their award at the Celebration Event we hold in Global Entrepreneurship Week on November 18th at Staff House at the University of Hull.