2009 NES Entrepreneur of the Year award

Norman Straight, owner of Straight Clean window cleaning in Norwich, was named NES Entrepreneur of the Year at an award ceremony in Birmingham recently.
Straight founded Straight Clean in January 2008, taking him out of unemployment into a job that provided the flexibility to also allow him look after his three children. He was chosen as the overall winner from six national finalists across the country due to the level of business success seen in such a short space of time.

Norman Straight said: “I am surprised and very pleased to be named NES entrepreneur of the year, especially having met some of my competition who are of a very high standard. NES has made a huge difference to my life and the lives of my children, and winning the award will be a fantastic boost for my business. I can’t thank NES and NWES enough.”

The New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES) programme was funded by the Learning & Skills Council and ran from 2001 to 2008. During its seven years as a national business support programme, NES provided a comprehensive package of training, support, mentoring and funding to nearly 6500 people from deprived areas and backgrounds, to encourage and support the start-up and growth of new businesses. Funding for NES came to an end in 2008 and this year’s award finalists were part of the final intake to benefit from the programme.

NFEA chief executive George Derbyshire, and chair of this year’s judging panel, said: “Norman Straight is a person who has recognised the value of advice and support - he’s worked hard to develop his skills and has a business plan which is progressively growing his business. From relying on benefits, Norman is now supporting himself and his family through the sustainable business he has created.”

Straight was supported through the NES programme by enterprise agency NWES in Norwich. His business adviser, Richard Salmon, said: “I am really pleased for Norman, it is reward for the effort he has put in and the courage he has shown to make a better life for him and his children. I hope that it will inspire him once again to grow the business further.”

www.nfea.com