Entrepreneur's £10k-winning pitch
AN entrepreneur has been handed a five-figure sum of cash after winning a competition designed to encourage business growth in the north Highlands.
Rachel Skene picked up £10,000 as she was named winner of the Innovation Challenge at the Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s 40th anniversary dinner on Friday.
The challenge – which was also backed by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Babcock Dounreay Partnership – was designed to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in Caithness and north Sutherland.
The competition consisted of two phases, the idea and the pitch.
During the idea stage, entrants were required to submit an innovative idea for a product or service which could be developed within the Dounreay travel-to-work area. Six were then selected to go forward to the pitch stage, where entrants delivered a 10-minute presentation to a panel of expert judges.
Ms Skene said her idea was still in the development stage and she could not reveal too many details yet, but felt it was time to make more of her design background and qualification.
"I am delighted and proud to have been awarded this accolade and I am looking forward to my most exciting challenge to date.
"The investment means the idea can move forward and the advice and support will enable me to address the necessary business, legal and commercial structures. It was a great evening, albeit a nerve-wracking few hours waiting for the announcement to be made."
Ms Skene was presented with the Innovation Challenge award by Finance Minister John Swinney.
NDA remuneration committee chairman Alistair Wivell, who acted as one of the judges, was impressed with all the candidates and said local business had a bright future.
"It was very encouraging to see the quality of the submissions and the enthusiasm of all the contestants," he said.
"I’m sure this bodes well for the future of the Caithness economy."
Ms Skene will also receive a £10,000 working capital loan, and one year’s office accommodation and support in Thurso.
The prize includes 12 months’ business mentoring by Dounreay managing director Roger Hardy.
