A young interior designer has been named Forth Valley's top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2009 Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' Awards.

Callum Murray (23), founder of Fresh Interior Solutions in Bo'ness was announced as regional winner at a ceremony at Callender House in Falkirk yesterday hosted by Falkirk Council. He was presented with a £1000 cash prize and will now be considered by the judging panel for the National Final taking place at Glasgow's City Chambers on Wednesday 18th November 2009.

Six of the 18 regional winners are selected to compete for the coveted national title of PSYBT ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ and the opportunity to win an additional £2000.

Mr Murray launched Fresh Interior Solutions in 2007 to provide full interior design, decoration and management solutions having identified an opportunity in the market for a flexible offering at the higher end of the market.

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Providing specialist tradesman on a 'buy as you need' basis, Fresh Interior Solutions has established a growing customer base comprising residential and commercial clients who have a variety of requirements, from decorating a single apartment, and project managing the installation of a home cinema to refurbishing let properties in the area.

The runner-up in the awards is Chris Allen (22) owner of the Enjoy-a-Ball Sports Coaching for Children franchise in Falkirk.

Determined not to be defeated by an injury which prevented him from fulfilling his own sporting career, Mr Allen bought the franchise in May 2007 and has over 150 children per week enjoying his classes at five different centres in Falkirk.

Classes, which cater for three to nine-year-olds, are designed to develop children's motor skills, personal confidence and include eight different ball sports in a non-competitive environment.

All the Awards prizes were sponsored by Forth Valley Business Gateway. Alexandria Ward, Business Gateway Forth Valley Contract Manager said: "It is important that youth enterprise is nurtured. These awards are essential in encouraging a culture that values business ambition and innovation enabling young people to help themselves, their local community and the economy. The Forth Valley Business Gateway is delighted to support PSYBT in playing a leading role in creating this entrepreneurial environment."

(GK/KMcA)