A talented young entrepreneur will be flying the flag for Lancashire after making it through the final of the national Enterprising Young Brits competition, and local people are being given the opportunity to back him in an online public vote.

Antony Chesworth has been named as a finalist for his Darwen-based Ekm Systems Ltd, an internet service provider whose main product ekmPowershop.com provides ecommerce facilities to one out of every five online shops in the UK. He will now pitch to a panel of judges at the final, due to be held at the prestigious Institute of Directors in London on 30 March 2010. In addition, the public can choose the winner of the coveted People’s Choice award in an online vote, open from Tuesday 23 March at www.enterpriseuk.org/youngbrits.

Commenting on his achievement, Mr. Chesworth said: “Reaching the final of such a prestigious enterprise competition is really encouraging. I know I’ll be up against some tough competition at the final, but I’ll certainly do my very best to bring an Enterprising Young Brit award back to Darwen”

Enterprising Young Brits shines the spotlight on talented young people who are bucking the recession by seizing opportunities to turn their ideas into successful businesses, generating jobs and wealth within their communities. Run by Enterprise UK and supported by the Institute of Directors, the Daily Mail, and the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills, the competition highlights that age is no barrier to turning ideas into reality.

Scott Cain, Deputy Chief Executive of Enterprise UK, comments: “Enterprising Young Brits such as Antony have shown that age is no barrier to entrepreneurial success. I’d encourage people of any age to take inspiration from the finalists’ ideas and their can-do spirit. With so many talented young business brains competing this year, it’s sure to be an exciting final.”

This year’s 25 finalists are split over five categories:

·         New startup – For enterprising individuals who have started their own business, large or small, within the past three years.

·         Social, ethical or environmental – For ventures combining the principles of a successful business with an emphasis on the social, ethical or environmental benefits it can provide.

·         Teen – For anybody aged 13-19 who is making their enterprising idea happen.

·         Creative – Rewarding enterprising individuals in the creative industries such as fashion, music, design, or the arts.

·         Open category – Entrants who business did not immediately fit into one of the four categories above were welcome to enter the Open category.

The winner of each category will take home £1,000 and a trophy.

Photograph shows Antony Chesworth 
(Hi-Res Version at http://www.antonychesworth.co.uk/page/Photos.aspx)

For more information please contact Steven Hickey at Ekm Systems Ltd at stevenhickey@ekmsystems.co.uk or 0871 230 7116.