This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Nicol Stephen Congratulates Shell Livewire Scottish Finalists
27/04/2000
Scottish women are playing an increasingly important role in developing Scotland's economy, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Nicol Stephen said today.
Congratulating Scottish finalists in the annual Shell Livewire awards, Mr Stephen welcomed the fact that 11 of the 17 businesses were owned and run by women.
Shell Livewire is a UK-wide initiative to support start-up businesses belonging to young people between the ages of 16 and 30. The awards aim to improve the opportunities for young people to realise their full entrepreneurial potential.
Speaking at the Awards Dinner at Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh Mr Stephen said:
"Our future economic success depends on our ability to create an entrepreneurial culture in Scotland where innovators and risk-takers are recognised and rewarded.
"The fact that that young women feature so prominently in this year's awards sends out a powerful message . Women are still under-represented in the business community but that is starting to change. The creativity and skills of the new generation of Scottish business women are vital the future of the Scottish economy.
"Small and growing firms are the bedrock of a successful, modern, enterprising nation and a thriving small business community is crucial in creating wealth and employment. Our young people are the key to this process and we need to do all we can to help them start new businesses.
"Shell Livewire makes a massive contribution to this support. I congratulate them and wish this year's Scottish finalists and winners the best of luck both in the UK finals and in their continuing business success.
BACKGROUND
1. Today's finalists were among 243 entrants in 15 Scottish regional heats held earlier this year. The winner and runner up of the Scottish finals will go forward to the UK finals to be held in June.
2. A total of £55,000 is distributed among the Scottish regional entrants each year, contributed by Shell UK, Scottish Enterprise, local enterprise companies and The Royal Bank of Scotland.
3. Scottish businesses have won four out of the seven UK annual events.