Four Scots shortlisted for Great British Entrepreneurial Awards

Glam Candy are nominated for an award. Picture: TSPL

David Hastie, Stuart Ebdy, Cherith Harrison and Hayley Brown will represent Scotland as finalists across four categories of the Great British Entrepreneurial Awards

They are set to face stiff competition including television stars, Dragons Den hopefuls and ex-Apprentice candidates at the event in November.

But the four say they’re up for the challenge.

Ayr-born David, 36, creator of the world’s first effervescent wheatgrass multivitamin, Nutrifiz, has had his fair share of knocks - following bankruptcy and starting from scratch just 18 months ago.

On being shortlisted in the Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year category, David said: “It’s humbling to make the shortlist and being recognised for my achievements rather than my previous failures. What an honour!”

Hayley Brown, 31, of Edinburgh, founder of Glam Candy Makeup Schools and a front-runner in the in the Creative Entrepreneur of the Year category is no stranger to challenges and teamwork, having previously raised over £500,000 for various charities nationwide.

She said: “I believe awards like this are paramount to the growth of entrepreneurship across the UK.

“Awards can contribute to successful public recognition within the creative industry. It would strengthen our existing customer trust and expansion opportunities.”

Stuart, originally from Dunkeld, Perthshire, is founder of UKGiftBox.com, and shortlisted in the Micro-business Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The 33-year-old said: “We’re here to support and encourage one another every step of the way.

“Thankfully, we’re all in different categories!”

The business owners say winning an award on November 25th in London would be life-changing.

Cherith, originally from Peebles, who runs Cherith Harrison Ltd, recognises what winning an award could do for her design business.

The 32-year-old said: “Not only do the awards stamp a seal of approval on my designs, they also give me further credibility and recognition as a successful woman in business.”

Simon Burton, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “The entries we have received for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards can only be described as awe inspiring. The quality has been outstanding.

“The judges have had the extremely difficult task of whittling the great and good of the entrepreneurial community down to the very best and we are delighted by the companies that have made the shortlist.

“All 4 finalists are looking forward to excellent networking opportunities and a chance to showcase their businesses at the awards.

“In the meantime, the quartet are furthering their collaborative efforts by establishing a social enterprise to encourage entrepreneurship in local schools and working within communities to find the next generation of innovators and award winner.”