Media release    

Region : Edinburgh/Lothian

The young retailer has been named West Lothian's top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2009 Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' Awards.

Kelly MacFarlane (27), founder of Paper Dreams in Broxburn was announced as regional winner at a ceremony in Howden Park Centre in Livingstone.

Kelly MacFarlane opened her card, stationery and gift shop, Paper Dreams, in June 2007 having made the decision to turn her weekend greeting card hobby into a thriving business opportunity. Today, her bright, well stocked shop in Broxburn's High Street provides a complete range of stationery and decorative items for every occasion including bespoke decorated balloons, hand made cards and wedding stationery which Kelly herself designs, as well as gifts and other items.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, PSYBT regional chairman, Sue Cook said, " Kelly has demonstrated drive, ambition and enthusiasm for taking good ideas and transforming them into successful, thriving businesses. We wish Kelly MacFarlane every success in the future."

Councillor Martyn Day from West Lothian Council added, "Youth enterprise is something to be recognised and applauded, as these young people are helping themselves, their local community and the economy. These Awards are essential in encouraging a culture that values business ambition and innovation and we are delighted to support PSYBT in creating this entrepreneurial environment."