Sir Tom Hunter has welcomed a boost to pioneering Scottish businesses, praising the winners of the Scottish EDGE competition.
The companies shared the £1.5 million prize fund at the 23rd round of the EDGE awards ceremony at the Royal Bank of Scotland Conference Centre in Gogarburn, Edinburgh.
“It was certainly a busy week for Scottish EDGE,” said Sir Tom, “with 35 businesses winning a share of the pot of £1.5m.
“One of the businesses who received funding was a company called Confidence Plus, who got £100,000. Evolved Metals won £90,000 and Naked Kimchi & Co, who were featured recently on our Go Radio Business Show, got £65,000.”
Funded by Sir Tom’s Hunter Foundation, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and private donors, the EDGE competition is delivered twice each year and has already boosted early-stage businesses with more than £25 million in funding.
Naked Kimchi specialises in fermented food and beverages that promote gut health – as well as supporting local farmers, creating zero-waste ferments and empowering refugees in Scotland.
“I’d like to say well done to all 35 of the businesses who won,” said Sir Tom. “Well done, too, to Chief Executive Evelyn McDonald and the entire team at Scottish EDGE.
“We are really turbocharging this early stage investment in Scottish companies.”
Sir Tom also thanked his Go Radio Business Show co-host Lord Willie Haughey for his contribution to the companies of the future, adding: “You’ve put in money alongside Chris van der Kuyl, James Watt and Brian Souter.
“It’s really brilliant and Scottish EDGE is a brilliant thing!”
Lord Haughey said: “For any budding businesses out there that are seeking to go to the next level, Scottish EDGE is the place to look.”
He pointed out more good news on investment with the Scottish Government announcing there will be an extra £5 million made available for start-ups.
Sir Tom added: “Within that announcement it was revealed Scottish EDGE is to get extra money as well. So we’re over the moon for Scottish businesses!”
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