Fresh Start Annual Award Ceremony 2011

KFScollage It wasn't just the award winning flowers that were on display at this year's 13th annual Knowsley Flower Show. It also played host to the Fresh Start Marquee featuring fifteen new Knowsley businesses that have started up within the last year. From beauty and holistic therapies to handmade chocolates and cupcakes, there was something for everyone. Support and advice was also on offer for those wishing to explore the possibility of self-employment.

The businesses were able to draw a crowd as Cllr Ron Round presented the annual Fresh Start Best Business Awards. Winners were cheered by the gathering that saw Donna Pearson of Diva Beauty Academy presented with Fresh Start Best Business 2011 - Female, Matt Dowling of Simple Gardens won Fresh Start Best Business 2011 - Male, and Liam Roberts of Create a Cake picked up Fresh Start Best Business 2011 - Young Person.

The day was a huge success with Sandra Stainton, of Prescot based sweet shop Sensational Sweets, commenting: "The event has been an excellent opportunity to make people aware of our shop".

Fresh Start Best New Business 2011 - Female was presented to Donna Pearson of Diva Beauty Academy

Donna set up Diva Beauty Academy in September 2010, having worked for more that 10 years as a therapist in salons and a teacher of NVQ beauty students. She decided to open her own beauty academy offering training courses and treatments. Diva Beauty academy is located on Wilson Road in Huyton and can cater for hen parties, children's parties and also offers a range of tuition. You can contact Diva Beauty Academy on 0151 482 0383.

Runner up of the Fresh Start Best New Business 2011 - Female was presented to Sandra Stainton of Sensational Sweets. After being made redundant she carried out extensive market research before deciding to invest in a stall in Prescot in shops where she sells a huge selection of traditional and modern sweets. You can contact Sensational Sweets on 07795 088 152.

Fresh Start Best New Business 2011 - Male was presented to Matt Dowling of Simple Gardens

Matt's mission statement is to offer a professional, friendly and reliable gardening, landscaping and pressure wash service. After several years experience in the gardening field Matt took the plunge into self employment and set up his now successful business Simple Gardens. He offers a range of services all tailored and suited to your individual garden needs. You can contact Simple Gardens on 07506 747 352.

Runner up of the Fresh Start Best New Business 2011 - Male was presented to Rodney Robinson of Holistic Therapy Practice. Rodney is a qualified registered nurse and a Dr of Homeopathic medicine with more than 20 years experience. Rodney decided that becoming self employed was the best option for him as it enables him to have freedom and control over his own work life. You can contact Holistic Therapy Practice on 0151 480 6350.

Fresh Start Best New Business 2011 - Young Person was presented to Liam Roberts of Create a Cake

Liam's new shop opened on Page Moss Lane at the end of 2010. Liam started his business at just 22 years old after gaining a degree in business studies and taking up cake making. Liam is now one of the largest sugar craft retailers in the area and sells everything you could need to prepare and decorate cakes. Liam has now started work on developing his own range of products which he hopes will be available soon. You can contact Create a Cake on 0151 345 0331.

Runner up of the Fresh Start Best new Business 2011 - Young Person was presented to Nicola Leigh Doyle of Reven Design. Nicola, aged just 25-years-old, started her photography business after gaining a 1st Class Hons degree in Design. Reven Design specialises in alternative and avant-garde wedding photography bringing a new twist to the traditional album. You can contact Reven Design on 07864 982 838.

A list of businesses that where also showcased in the Fresh Start Marquee can be found here

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