Idiom, the company chosen to represent Dumfries and Galloway at the National Young Enterprise Finals in Edinburgh on Tuesday, walked away with three prestigious National Awards.
The company comprised of fifth and sixth year pupils at Dumfries High School collaborated to create ‘Bonnie the Beltie’ – the popular children’s story book, highlighting some of the best tourism attractions for young children Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. They also launched a range of greetings cards in January 2019.
After winning 8 awards at the regional Young Enterprise Final on the 26th of March, including Best Trade Stand, Best Report and Best Digital Media, the company were chosen to represent the region at a national level, at the Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme Finals in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.
At the national finals Directors of Idiom took part in various stages of judging, including team and individual interviews – as well as a presentation to the other 15 competing regions.
Jenna Reid, Financial Director commented: “It was a fantastic experience getting to see the other teams from across Scotland coming together to compete for the Company of the Year award.”
At the awards dinner, attended by some of the biggest names in Scottish Enterprise – Idiom took home three prestigious National Awards; Best Company Report; Scottish Business Advisor of the Year (awarded to Derek Crichton, Idiom’s Business Advisor); and Scottish Managing Director of the Year (awarded to Lyle Hamilton, Managing Director of Idiom).
The Young Enterprise Company Programme is about encouraging young people to take an entrepreneurial outlook, giving them the platform to start their own business in a safe and nurtured environment. Idiom are proud to be furthering the ‘Enterprise for all’ approach taken by Young Enterprise through their legacy programme ‘The Idiom Initiative’ – designed to encourage Entrepreneurship and Creative Thinking, passing on the skills and experiences gained by the Idiom team during their Young Enterprise Journey.
Lyle Hamilton, Managing Director added: “As I reflect on everything we have achieved not only as a business, but also as individuals it gives me great pride! As a family we have grown and developed in so many different ways – we have proven on a local, regional and national level that we are capable, we are innovative, and we are one strong unit!”
Lyle also added: “I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported us on our journey so far, those who had faith in us – who gave us a chance! However, more than anyone, I would like to thank my team – who make Idiom tick – representing themselves, their families and our community – showing everyone that Dumfries and Galloway is very much, open for business!”
Idiom will continue to trade and will become a Limited Company later this year – with the intention of working with as many tourism and hospitality attractions as possible across the region, to assist them, and promote their businesses to a younger audience.
Follow the Idiom adventure on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @IdiomDHS
