HW is delighted to announce that the Haines Watts Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 competition was won by Tara Burn, owner of Combined Counties Fire and Surrey First Aid Training Limited.

Tara (28), from Frimley, Surrey, set up Combined Counties Fire and Surrey First Aid Training Limited in 2007 to deliver training nationwide in all aspects of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Gary Heywood, a partner at HW High Wycombe office and Chairman of the judges, said, “It was extremely close because each candidate was of such a high calibre but Tara took the title for showing true entrepreneurial flair in spotting opportunities and turning them into viable businesses - and for her commitment and energy.”

Tara said, “It was fantastic to win. The day was an amazing experience, meeting successful entrepreneurs and other young aspiring business people and exchanging ideas. Winning topped it all off and I was so pleased that my plans for business growth and development were well received and that the judges shared my passion for the concepts I am working on for the future.”

The other finalists were: Enzo Bertolone – Glitterati Hair Limited, Duncan Carter – Compass Estate Agents, Peter Higgs – PGH Pest Control & Prevention and Paul Feakins – Antropy Consulting Limited. They all gave a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation on their business and were asked searching questions by the judges.

The other judges from HW were partners Peter Wright from the Reading office and Jane Wills from the Slough office. Guest judge was Nigel Botterill, owner of ‘The Best Of’ online network and other franchise and internet-based businesses. As a serial entrepreneur, Nigel was able to share his experiences with the finalists after the judging and they all received a free one-year membership of his ‘Entrepreneurs’ Circle’.

The finalists are also offered a year of free mentoring with HW Partners, who are looking forward to supporting them with advice and ideas as they progress their businesses. The runners-up received cheques for £250 and Tara collected her additional winning £500 prize money.

As well as hearing from Nigel Botterill, HW was delighted to welcome back inspirational guest speaker, Stafford Carrington. Despite being only 32 years old Stafford is a self-made millionaire and has grown Impact Business Group through recognising good opportunities, hard graft, learning from mistakes and keeping it fun.

Jane Gregory of Haines Watts said of the event, “The Haines Watts Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition 2011 has been run against a difficult economic backdrop and yet we have heard from some amazing young entrepreneurs, who are succeeding in business despite this. HW applauds their determination, talent and hard work and wishes them all many congratulations.Their talent really shines through and they are an inspiration for all of us.”