Competition launches for Lancaster's young entrepreneurs

The Baldwins KickStart Young Entrepreneur Awards are open in Lancaster for 18 to 25-year-olds.

The winner of the awards will be given a grant of £10,000 along with £10,000 worth of mentoring and accountancy advice, while two runners-up will each receive £5,000 worth of mentoring and accountancy advice.

Last year’s Baldwins KickStart Young Entrepreneur Awards saw 19-year-olds Harry Smith and Jack Cornes scoop the top prize for their concept of wall-climbing painting robots, with the investment enabling them to develop their prototype ready to show to investors.

This year’s three finalists will be invited to present in front of more than 400 people at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham on Thursday, November 15.

Les Nutter, from Baldwins in Lancaster who are part of the Baldwins Group, said: “At a time of economic uncertainty it’s important that we are nurturing the next generation of business professionals, particularly when it comes to the practicalities of setting up a business and creating a steady flow of income, and applicants that are invited for an interview will receive constructive feedback to help their ideas flourish.

“The awards are not restricted to any sector and everyone who enters will have the invaluable experience of putting together a business plan."

The 2018 Baldwins KickStart Young Entrepreneur Awards come off the back of another strong year of expansion for the Baldwins Group, which now has 60 offices around the UK and acquired Cassons in December.