BBC DRAGON DUNCAN MEETS INSPIRATIONAL STARS
This year, as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we increased the capacity to provide recognition of the contributions and achievements of many more people by extending our STAR Awards campaign to regional levels.
Six regional STAR Awards were held across England and Scotland from June to September, with all winners being invited to attend the National awards at the Brewery in London on 27th November.
MEDIA star and multi-millionaire Scottish entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne OBE was on hand to present the worthy winners with their STAR Awards. The popular panellist from BBC 2's hit series Dragons Den was inspired by the amazing achievements of people who have overcome huge barriers to turn their lives around.
"I'm inspired by anyone who can get up and achieve something in the face of adversity or who overcomes problems to succeed in life," says Duncan, who overcame a tough start on a Glasgow estate to build up a string of successful businesses including health clubs, hotels and property.
Among the long list of winners was Local Employer Tim McNally from Emerald Garden Land Designers from Bridgend. Tim built up his business after gaining support from Shaw Trust three years ago and now helps other people with substance misuse issues turn their lives around by offering them work placements.
Another winner, Nik Brooks from Rochester was touched to have won the Shaw Trust Employee STAR Award. Inspirational Nik joined the Trust first as a volunteer, moved on to become a mentor and is now a trainer. Nik leads by example, having broken through many barriers himself, as a double amputee and with a history of bi-polar disorder.
"The event gave us the opportunity to showcase our work because our nominees' and winners achievements are inspirational and show quite clearly what can be done, with the right support." said Ian Charlesworth, Shaw Trust Chief Executive.
"This is one of the most important days in our calendar because it gives us the chance to publicly recognise the wonderful achievements of some of the people we have worked with over the year."
ROLECALL OF WINNERS
