AN events company specialising in humanist wedding and baby naming ceremonies is planning for further growth in Scotland and the rest of the UK after scooping a business support prize worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Fuze Ceremonies was named the most promising start-up in the LESL Enterprise Challenge.
The competition was launched by LESL, an enterprise trust based in Lanarkshire, to celebrate its 25 years of supporting businesses in Scotland.
As part of the prize for coming out on top, Fuze will be able to tap into a range of business development services including public relations, marketing, human resources, IT and legal provision.
It will also receive fast-track support on how to access loan and investment funds including a six figure Trust Fund established to support Enterprise Challenge winners.
On top of that, the company is getting six months of rent-free office space at the Atrium Business Centre in Coatbridge.
Humanist wedding ceremonies in Scotland have increased rapidly in recent years.
In 2005 there were fewer than 100 carried out, but the most recent figures from the General Register Office for Scotland show there were 2486 in 2011 and 3052 in 2012.
The wedding market in Scotland is thought to be worth in excess of £80 million a year.
As well as baby naming days, Fuze also carries out same-sex affirmations and re-affirmations of vows.
It also offers event planning services covering everything from speech writing to venue booking, dining and entertainment.
Morag Adams, managing director of Fuze Ceremonies, said the business is hoping to expand quickly in the coming years.
She said: "It's been a tough first year, but we've made a great start to a business that is continuing to grow and innovate.
"Winning is not only about the prize, but the recognition by others and the belief that they have in our business has given us all a real boost. Our new premises at the Atrium, together with the mentoring and expertise we'll receive from LESL's advisors, will undoubtedly help underpin our plans for rapid expansion, initially in Scotland, then throughout the UK."
Three runners-up, each receiving business support packages, were also named.
Glasgow-based Plantedd is an online market where independent horticulture nurseries can trade plants, with the company offering more than 6000 varieties.
Corporate Chiropody, also based in Glasgow, impressed judges as it has secured contracts with organisations such as the Scottish Government, the BBC, STV, Dell and ScottishPower.
MJJ HVAC, which has its headquarters in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, has developed a turbine component which is said to require no electricity and could replace electric motors.
Ronnie Smith, chief executive of LESL, believes all the businesses recognised have the potential to grow further.
He said: "LESL's whole reason for being is to support exciting young Scottish businesses, assisting them to achieve their business goals and strengthen Scotland's economy. By providing access to mentoring and expertise tailored to their individual needs, I know that we can help these four start-ups to deliver on their potential as world-class companies."
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