Well done to SERC student Matthew Smyth from Comber who scooped a cheque for £350 at the annual ‘Future Students of Business Awards’, which was organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Colleges NI. Matthew is pictured collecting his award from Ruth Thompson FSB Belfast South representative.

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry recently presented the ‘Future Students of Business Awards’ to 18 students across the 6 regional FE colleges.

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) students Megan Parker, Matthew Smyth and Caolan Dorrian, who study Business Administration, each scooped a cheque for £350 at the annual competition, which is organised by the Federation of Small Businesses and Colleges NI.

Minister Farry said: “These awards are an excellent opportunity for further education students to gain recognition for their business skills and their future potential for business success.  Northern Ireland needs young entrepreneurs in order to drive our economy forward. Entrepreneurs have the drive, determination, passion and the vision that we need in order to help our economy grow through the adoption of innovative approaches and potential new businesses.

“I congratulate Colleges NI and the Federation of Small Businesses on this initiative which helps to highlight the value we place on these dynamic individuals.” Gerry Campbell, Colleges NI Chief Executive, said: “This is the tenth year of these Awards and they have grown from strength to strength. The Awards show that Northern Ireland’s Colleges are preparing and supporting students for business incubation and development and represents a positive image of the role Further Education plays. This has been a fantastic showcase of the cream of entrepreneurial talent that exists within our FE colleges."

Federation of Small Businesses, Northern Ireland Regional Chairman, John Friel said:

“The FSB is delighted once again to recognise and reward the most promising business students our Further Education Colleges have to offer.  We need to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit, especially in the next generation.  It is they who will facilitate and shape the long term social and economic development of Northern Ireland.”

To find out how you can ‘Get the Edge’ at SERC please visit www.serc.ac.uk call 0845 600 755 or search Facebook for South Eastern Regional College.