Weston-Super-Mare MP congratulates local finalist in national Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose was on hand to congratulate all of the eight finalists of Shell LiveWIRE’s ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009’ competition in London last week (Tuesday 27th October), including local man 17-year-old Michael Turner.
The Weston MP, in his role as Shadow Business Minister, delivered a keynote speech and was joined by a range of influential names from the enterprise sector to crown this year’s Shell LiveWIRE ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’. But the cherry on the cake, according to the MP, was meeting local finalist 17-year-old Michael Turner who beat off stiff competition from hundreds of young entrepreneurs to gain a place at the final.
After designing his first website when he was 11, Michael started TurnKey I.T Solutions, based in Lympsham, as a natural progression from a long held passion for IT. He decided to leave school after completing his GCSE’s in order to run his own IT business.
John said: “It’s great to see talented young business people thriving despite the toughest economic climate for years. But perhaps what’s best is to see that Weston’s not missing out.
“I was delighted to meet Michael and to hear about his business. He’s put in a lot of hard work in the last year, and it’s fantastic to see that his drive and determination is paying off and he’s been recognised in such a prestigious national competition.
“It’s vital that we do all that we can to support entrepreneurs like Michael and encourage others to follow their example too. That’s why Shell Live WIRE and other programmes like it are so important to our economy’s future.”
Michael said: “I’m extremely thrilled to get through to the finals of the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Since leaving school at 16, I’ve grown TurnKey I.T Solutions tremendously and I now support a number of organisations’ IT systems, along with developing our own systems, including our Electronic Message Board, which is a complete Health & Safety solution for lone workers.
“Whilst I did not win this year’s award, I did meet a number of influential business people and have already gained business from being a part of the tough judging process.
“I’m keen to grow my business further and aim to do this over the coming years, so watch this space!”
For more information please contact:
Michael Turner, TurnKey I.T Solutions (Tel: 01934 440030 Email: mike@turnkeyit.co.uk)