Make over for Shell scheme

Jan 13 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

ENTERPRISE scheme Shell Livewire is to pump £70,000 into young people’s business ideas throughout this year.

Every month, the organisation will give £1,000 to up to five people aged 16-30 to help them get their business ideas off the ground. The organisation provides business and networking advice via its www.shell-livewire.org website which has been revamped and goes live today.

Shell UK chairman James Smith said: “Given the current economic climate, it is more important than ever to unearth and support the young entrepreneurs of today. They can be creators of jobs, prosperity and the innovations of tomorrow.”

The Grand Ideas Awards scheme, which makes the £1,000 monthly awards, is running in addition to the prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award which pays out £10,000 to the overall winner.

Jamie Murray Wells was awarded the title in 2005 after starting Glasses Direct in his parents’ living room. The business sells cut-price prescription glasses online and has a multi-million pound turnover.

Mr Murray said: “It’s a tough economic climate, but that shouldn’t put off entrepreneurs with sound business ideas being brave and going out on their own.”