June 2013, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Mohammad Abusayed wins Young Start-up Talent – West Kent 2013
by Lorraine Nugent, of Kent PR agency Media Word Waves
The winner of the £50,000 prize fund for West Kent’s entrepreneurial initiative, Young Start-up Talent 2013, was announced at an impressive show at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Monday 10th June 2013. Mohammad Abusayed from Tunbridge Wells, who is currently just 18 years old and studying part-time at K-College in Tonbridge, was announced as the winner of the 2013 project with his business SMT Trading UK Ltd – a company that was formed in January of this year which hire’s and distributes linen and hot towels to restaurants, hotels and banqueting halls.
Mohammad said, “I am thrilled to have won the prize fund – I had a feeling that I would. I know this is just the beginning of my journey and I am looking forward to taking SMT Trading UK to the next level with the help of the Young Start-up Talent prize fund. I have met some great people during the process of the project.”
Mohammad’s mum said “I am very proud of Mohammad who always works very hard, I am sure he will continue to do so and become a successful businessman.”
Winner Mohammad Abusayed with trophy, and a very proud mum.
The other finalists were Anna Wells of Design Your Own Dress, Pierre Jalon of Double Take and Robert Stevens and Jack Wise of Easy Radio Kent. All of the finalists had a trade stand at the event to further showcase their businesses to the 180 guests that attended the showcase at Trinity Theatre.
Finalists Mohammad Abusayed of SMT Trading UK Ltd, and Anna Wells of Design your own Dress
Finalists Pierre Jalon of Double Take and Robert Stevens and Jack Wise of Easy Radio Kent.
Bob Heapy of Town & Country Housing Group and one of the judges commented “Mohammad has a good business with direction. I believe he went the extra mile with lots of energy and focus. Richard Karn of The Courier Media Group, another judge said “I was impressed with the way Mohammad has started and got through the market, he has lots of determination.”
“Involvement in the Young Start-Up Talent competition was a very positive experience for all concerned – judges as well as contestants. All the finalists coped remarkably well with presenting to the “Dragons Den”, and demonstrated a maturity well beyond their years. The competition provides a tremendous framework for encouraging young people to become the next generation of business leaders and wealth generators.” Added Jonathan Denny of Cripps Harries Hall.
The Judges. and the Judges pictured with Mohammad.
The evening was hosted by the founders of the competition, Lorraine Nugent, MD of PR agency Media Word Waves, and Matt Turner, MD of Creative Pod along with Jackie Sumner of Town & Country Housing Group.
Hosts Lorraine Nugent of Media Word Waves, and Jackie Sumner of Town and Country Housing.
The project has over 20 business sponsors including: Town & Country Housing Group, Cripps Harries Hall, Reeves accountants, Barclays, K-College, The Courier Media Group, extech IT, Bowles, Young Enterprise, MCR Print, Let’s Do Business, Fastsigns, Trinity Theatre, Avensys, Media Word Waves, Creative Pod, West Kent Chamber and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
Special guest speaker, entrepreneur and local resident Stephen Mason, who runs several large businesses with a combined turnover of over £60million told the audience of his entrepreneurial journey and passed on tips to the youngsters. Mr Mason commented “Mohammad had a well developed plan. I am confident that he will go on to make a lot of money in the future and employ many people”.
Guest Speakers Stephen Mason, and Sam French who was the winner of Young Start-up Talent in the Gatwick Diamond region.
A video of the Dragons Den style final that was filmed by SeeThat at K-College a few weeks ago was played to the audience. Each of the finalists had the daunting task of standing in front of a panel of the seven judges, plus numerous cameras and studio staff from SeeThat, and was put through a series of challenging questions about their business idea. Click Dragons Den Style final judging to see the video. "It was a tough choice", said judge Lorraine Nugent of marketing agency Media Word Waves, "all of the finalists were excellent, and I am sure they will go on to be successful in business, winner or not."
The finalists and judges, and winner Mohammad with family and the Mayor.
The audience gathers before the Show, and applaud the winner .
Young Start-up Talent, West Kent Region, 2013
The Judges:
Town & Country Housing Association
Sponsors and supporters:
Bowles Learning & Development Centre
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Department of Business, Innovation and Skills
For more information use the following links Young Start-up Talent