Pictured above: Front Row: L to R -Lindsey Hartland, Robert Jones and Eileen McCarthy. Back Row: L to R - Richard Burridge, David Wick, Gideon Maas, Director of the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship, Cllr. Ken Taylor, Phillip Cornwall, Chair IoD C & W Branch, Sherod Williams, Vice Chair, IoD C & W Branch and Adam Hussein.

Young entrepreneurs in Coventry have been honoured as part of a ground-breaking initiative that has been copied nationwide.

Just over two years ago, the Institute of Directors (IoD) for Coventry and Warwickshire and Coventry University joined forces to create the first mentoring scheme of its kind by pairing up business leaders with aspiring young entrepreneurs.

The "Coventry Means Business" initiative has been a key element of the IoD Coventry and Warwickshire Branch's vision to encourage and celebrate the achievements of Coventry University's entrepreneurs.

The 2009 Coventry Means Business Awards took place recently at St. Mary's Guild Hall in Coventry and the awards, presented by Professor Ian Marshall, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research, were given in the following categories:

Best Business Idea winner:  Lindsey Hartland, Eileen McCarthy, Robert Jones for New Macho Performance Company

Best Business idea runner-up:  Richard Burridge for LifeSavingClicks.com Ltd

Best Start-up Business winner:  Richard Burridge for eMarketing Media Ltd

Best Start-up Business runner-up:  James Mercy for Gnu Design {designu}

Champion Trouble shooter winner: David Wick for Biotech Motorsport

Champion Trouble shooter runner-up: Adam Hussain for Infini Glass

Addressing the audience, which was made up of key business leaders including, the Leader of Coventry City Council, Councillor Ken Taylor, Phillip Cornwall, the Chairman of the IoD, Coventry and Warwickshire Branch said:

"It has been a challenging year. The partnership with Coventry University and the IoD has matured and overcome many of the challenges it has faced during the current recession. With the added support of the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship and the continued support of the mentors and our sponsors, the students have once again maximised their chances of success and it's their success that we are here to celebrate."

The Leader of the City Council, Councillor Ken Taylor praised the IoD and Coventry University for the work they are doing to encourage young entrepreneurs to keep their talents in Coventry. He said:

"The current recession has provided a new challenge for these young entrepreneurs but it is important they are encouraged to keep their talents in the city and the City Council will do all that it can to make sure they do."

All the winners received a certificate and a cheque for £800 and the runners up, £200.

Phillip Cornwall, Chairman of the IoD, Coventry and Warwickshire Branch, concluded:

"Thanks to the time, effort and experience of the company directors who have acted as mentors to the students, the initiative has gone on from strength to strength.

"Throughout the year, the mentors have delivered guest master class presentations, one-to-one mentoring and have been on hand via emails and phone calls to offer support and advice and for this we will be forever in their debt."