Chris Blake, 26, founder of geological testing outfit, Blake Geoservices Ltd, has been named Highland's top young entrepreneur after winning a prestigious PSYBT Business award and a cash boost of £1000.

Chris beat the business talents of the Highlands’ best young start ups to win the regional final of the 2008 Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' Awards.

Chris was assisted by PSYBT in early 2007 when he decided to strike out on his own and set up his own company to offer geological testing services - testing soil and water as well as monitoring gas emissions from land fill sites using a variety of advanced techniques. Chris put his PSYBT funding towards a drilling rig which he uses for contracts for local authorities, construction and environmental consultants.

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The award ceremony took place on Wednesday September 17th at the Town House in Inverness where event sponsors Tulloch Group Homes Limited presented Chris with a cheque for £1,000. Blake Geoservices Ltd will now be considered by the judging panel to go forward for the national final taking place in Glasgow's Barony Hall on Monday 17th November 2008, with the support of Microsoft. Six of the 18 regional winners will be selected to compete for the coveted national title of this year's The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' and the opportunity to win an additional £2000.

The runner-up in the awards was Graeme Mackay, 25, of Meoran Cuil an award winning accordionist who devised and produced a Highland Showcase of music which was presented throughout the summer in Aviemore. A representative from Highland Council presented Graeme with a cheque for £500.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the PSYBT regional manager, David Knight said "These young entrepreneurs represent some of the most talented, creative and dedicated business people in Scotland today and we are delighted to be able to recognise and reward their achievements through these awards. They should act as a true inspiration for us all in terms of demonstrating commitment, self belief and determination to not only take the first brave steps into working for themselves but to go on and create successful and sustainable businesses that contribute to Scotland's economic future."

(GK/JM)