Frozen Yoghurt Entrepreneur Scoops Sky Award

A frozen yoghurt entrepreneur from Northern Ireland has won the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Young Person in Business award, sponsored by Sky News.

Katie Waddell, 24, set up the Belfast-based business, Spoon Street, last year after completing a degree in marketing.

Her shop, open seven days a week until 10pm, has thrived as its popularity has spread through word-of-mouth and by using feedback from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to decide on changing flavours and toppings.

Turnover so far has been ahead of expectations.

She was praised by the judging panel for developing clear growth potential for the business with a staff-focused ethos.

The business employs 13 staff. Plans for the future include opening a second store, creating a loyalty system and building an app.

BCC president Nora Senior said: "Encouraging entrepreneurs and creating an environment where enterprise can flourish is key to the future growth of our economy.

"The determination to succeed and her focus and passion set Katie Waddell apart as an example of British entrepreneurialism at its best."

Sky News business editor Kirsty Good said: "Katie’s drive and enthusiasm for her business is incredibly impressive. It's great to see all Katie’s hard work recognised with this award."