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Patrick McDonald (20) founder of Superior Catering & Leisure has been named PSYBT 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year'.  He beat off competition from hundreds of PSYBT backed businesses from all over Scotland who were eligible for this year’s Award, held at Glasgow City Chambers.

Patrick McDonald was 18 years old when he decided he wanted to be an entrepreneur. He was working for a local catering van and made it his goal to learn everything he could about the business. He spent months researching the industry and networking with other business owners, suppliers, event organisers to establish a database of useful contacts that he knew he would one day need to start his own mobile catering business.

Patrick frequently encountered resistance from people who found it difficult to believe that someone in their teens could take on such an ambitious project. He was even turned away by lenders who told him he was too young to go into business. The plucky teenager remained undeterred however and at the start of last year, a meeting with Glasgow Regeneration Agency led to a referral to PSYBT for funding and business support. Today, Patrick employs 7 staff at busy times and runs a highly profitable business, which caters at many prestigious events throughout the UK, including Music Festivals, Horseshows, Country Fairs and Gala Days. His plans for next year mean he will have several other mobile units to allow the business to continue its steady growth.

The runner-up was Mark Greenaway, founder of MGB Services Ltd in Airdrie. Mark (27) worked in the building maintenance trade for 10 years prior to establishing his own facilities management firm at the start of last year. Specialising in electrical and mechanical service and repairs using only fully qualified engineers and experienced sub contractors, Mr Greenaway has built up a successful business. Many of his clients are well established firms who want to benefit from the security of having all their essential maintenance requirements, planned as well as emergency call outs, provided by an experienced company who understands their business needs.

The awards ceremony, which is now in its sixteenth year, was attended by nearly 300 members of the business community and Michelle Mone OBE, co-owner of MJM International and creator of Ultimo, the UK’s leading designer lingerie brand gave the keynote speech of the evening. Mrs Mone is herself a recipient of start up funding from the charity when she launched in 1997 and now serves on the Board of Directors.

watch Patrick's video here http://www.psybt.org.uk/superior-catering-and-leisure