TRUDY MORRIS: Chance to shine at Caithness business awards

Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, is full of praise for the county's enterprising business community

With our venue confirmed and entertainment in place, plans for the Caithness Chamber’s annual dinner are in full swing.

A highlight event in our calendar brings with it our much-coveted young entrepreneur and young business of the year awards, which once again are now open for entries.

Here at the chamber, entrepreneurship has been at the forefront of our minds in recent weeks. For the last 10 years, I have supported the Young Enterprise programme which challenges and empowers secondary school pupils through real-life learning, to set up and manage their own company.

This year we were delighted to support Thurso High School Young Enterprise team “Social-Eyes” whose creativity and innovation secured them a spot in the UK finals. It was admirable to see their ambition and fearless approach to business. Though their journey through the Young Enterprise programme culminated in the UK finals, they will be continuing with their business and have gained the confidence to know entrepreneurship is possible for everyone.

To have the vision, skills and resolve to turn your ideas into a product or business is something very special indeed.

Caithness Chamber’s young entrepreneur of the year and young business of the year awards are designed to celebrate exactly this and give recognition to the achievements of our thriving enterprising business community. Entries for the awards are open until 5pm on August 11.

Application forms and entry criteria can be found on the news page of our website, caithnesschamber.com

It has been a great pleasure of mine to follow the journeys of many of our former award winners and witness their businesses flourish and evolve over the years to follow.

Our 2022 winners Puldagon Farm Shop are going from strength to strength with the development of their stunning destination venue, restaurant and farm shop, whilst North Point Distillery have awards in bountiful supply and were recently recognised as both the best craft producer of 2023 and the most sustainable distillery of 2023 in the Icons of Rum Awards.

Of course, within the current climate, it's tougher than ever to establish and run a business, but sometimes the toughest challenges can bring the greatest rewards. Caithness Chamber of Commerce is here to support businesses at every stage of their journey. We offer support and expert advice, access to funding, network building, and promotion and we will be your biggest cheerleader!

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