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

Keith Gallacher (22), who runs the South West of Scotland Complete Weed Control franchise was announced as regional winner at a ceremony in South Lanarkshire Council Offices in Hamilton yesterday and was presented with a £1000 cash prize by the award sponsors, UK Steel Enterprise.

He will now be considered by the judging panel to be entered into the national final taking place at Glasgow's City Chambers on Wednesday 18th November.

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 Gallacher took over the franchise in 2005 having decided to channel his love of the outdoors and his desire to become his own boss into a thriving business. During the last four years he has grown the business significantly and has established contracts with Housing Associations, local authorities and landscaping companies. The franchise owner also has contracts with a number of golf clubs in the area who use his services for treating the golf courses and greens.

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During the winter months, Mr Gallacher carries out pruning contracts. Plans for the future include expanding the business to include providing road gritting services.

The runner-up in the awards is Paul Sommerville (26) founder of Cradlesafe Ltd. The company was formed in December 2005 to commercialise a baby monitor device invented by Mr Sommerville in 1999.

Both the winner and the runner-up received funding, advice and support from PSYBT, which during the last twenty years, has supported some 11,000 young people to start almost 9,000 businesses, providing £31.7million in funding and additional assistance.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, PSYBT Regional Manager, Lyndsey Little said: "Both companies have demonstrated drive, ambition and enthusiasm for taking good ideas and transforming them into successful, thriving businesses. We wish them every success in the finals."

Anne Clyde, Area Manager for UK Steel Enterprise added: "Youth enterprise is something to be recognised and applauded, as these young people are helping themselves, their local community and the economy. These Awards are essential in encouraging a culture that values business ambition and innovation and we are delighted to support PSYBT in creating this entrepreneurial environment."

(GK/BMc)