Moore (South) LLP join the judging panel for the Young Start Up Talent Awards

A brand new entrepreneurial initiative finished it’s first year in Chichester on Thursday 12th of January, as it held its first successful showcase event despite the bad weather.

Young Start Up Talent, a community based project aimed at 16-25 year olds aims to get entrepreneurs with a business plan, onto their feet with £50,000 worth of business support for the winning entrepreneur.

The initiative launched in the Gatwick Diamond region in 2010, by two founding partners Lorraine Nugent and Matt Turner, who wanted to pursue their passion in giving back to the business community - in particular to inspire and help young entrepreneurs to start their own business.

The past year has entailed visiting and running workshops in local schools and colleges, including The University of Chichester. The workshops provided by Young Start Up Talent provided advice and support for their business ideas, through both a business 'know how' workshop and a 1-2-1 styled speed networking event, with local businesses.  The ‘dragons den’ style final was filmed just before Christmas in the Bishops Palace.

Moore (South) LLP were sponsors and judges for the region, which saw four lucky finalists head down to the South Downs Planetarium on Thursday night to watch the video of the final. The judges awarded Tom Orchard, a current sixth form student at Bishop Luffa School with the prize for his business idea, Tom's Computers .

Tom's Computers offers a wide range of services, including, but not limited to computer repairs, iPhone repairs and custom PC building. Upon winning the final Tom said:

'I'm shaking because I am just so thrilled! I never expected to win because everyone was brilliant and the competition was really hard. I need to ensure I make something happen and take full advantage of the prize I've been given!'

Louise Hastings judged on behalf of Moore and Andrew Henshaw and Andrea Wulff were also delighted to attend the showcase alongside her. Andrea Wulff commented;

“As chartered accountants based in Chichester, we are always happy to support young entrepreneurs in their quest to start their own businesses. The quality of the four finalists on the night was exceptional. It was a pleasure to see them presenting their business ideas to the audience, and we were proud to be able to be a part of the initiative and wish all the entrants’ success for the future".