THE PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS 15th September 2007
AWARD CHOICE A STROKE OF GENIUS
Artist now knows he can bank on his talent
By Andy Newport
A young artist's face was a picture after he walked away with a top business award and a £600 cash boost.
Frank To, founder of F. To Fine Art, was all smiles after her beat the business talents of Paisley's best young start- ups to win the 2007 regional final of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and The Royal Bank of Scotland Business Awards
Frank, 25, decided he wanted to become a full- time artist in 2005 having completed his Masters in Fine Arts at Duncan of Jordanstone Art School in Dundee.
With support from PSYBT, in his first year of being self employed, Frank took part in more than 30 exhibitions, with some of his works being exhibited alongside Britain's best contemporary artists from the 20th century.
Counting Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart among his clients, Frank is commanding premium prices for his works which are becoming much sought after, both in the U.K and in the States.
The awards ceremony, which took place at Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire, was attending and supported by RBS banking manager George Kenney, who presented Frank To with the £600 cheque.
He will now be considered by the judging panel to go forward for the national final in Glasgow in November.
Six of the 18 regional winners will be selected to compete for the coveted national title of PSYBT and Royal Bank of Scotland Young Entrepreneur of the Year, with the opportunity to win £1500.
The runner- up in the awards is Paisley girl Pauline Clifford, founder of Starsparkles,
Pauline set up her business producing customised training shoes originally for the Qube shop in Glasgow.
The shoes are individually decorated with Swarovski crystals and can retail at £200 per pair.
Pauline's sparkling designs have already been snapped up by Madonna and Paris Hilton and a number of well known high street retailers such as Office and she is actively marketing in the United States.
She was presented with the runner- up prize of £300- sponsored by Renfrewshire Council- by Provost Celia Lawson.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, PSYBT regional manager Tony Dorrington said: "To recognise and celebrate the success of young entrepreneurs who are creating wealth, and who are making a positive contribution to their local community with this business award, is a privilege for all of us involved and a great inspiration to others. We wish them well in the finals."