Sharp-dressed David vies for title

David Conaghan is the face behind Chocolate, a city-based clothing store offering the consumer designer chic with unique labels.

Armed with determination and enthusiasm for fashion and subcultures, Dave Conaghan decided to create a store that he would want to shop in. The result is Chocolate, a clothing store offering excellent customer service and product knowledge and arguably the leading designer outlet in the North West. Collections are sourced globally with the staff travelling to find the most exciting collections from big name brands and smaller niche labels alike.

“We stock brands we love and our passionate about, brands with history, up and coming new brands with great ideas and brands with great quality,” said David.

The folk at Chocolate also bring their original values to a wider audience through their online store.

Tomorrow he faces Northern Ireland’s brightest young business owners over the coveted title and the winner will be announced at a celebratory lunch in the Long Gallery, Stormont.

Northern Ireland is heavily reliant on a buoyant small business sector and the awards, now in their 28th year, and run in conjunction with Northern Bank and Invest Northern Ireland, recognise and promote the success of our brightest young business starts in an effort to encourage other young entrepreneurs to follow suit.

Rory Clarke, Corporate Acquisition Manager, Northern Bank and member of the judging panel said: “These prestigious awards recognise and showcase Northern Ireland’s young business talent. Along with my fellow judges, I have been so impressed by the calibre of those that entered this year. It is encouraging to see such ambition and drive, despite the still uncertain economic environment. Of course it is often in the most challenging times that innovation will flourish and these awards certainly demonstrate that there is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit amongst our emerging young business leaders. Northern Bank is delighted to sponsor the coveted Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, and I have no doubt that every one of the finalists will succeed in making their mark in our local economy. We wish them every continued success.”

The four judges are Rory Clarke, Frankie McCourt of Invest NI, Hilary Griffith from McGrigors and Dr Eugene McGuckin for Enterprise NI.

Encouraged by the calibre of the entrants, Mr McCourt said: “Each of these talented young entrepreneurs has demonstrated that they have the commitment, drive and commercial creativity to succeed in business. They are all excellent role models for our future generations and have the potential to make significant contributions towards the growth of our economy.”

In addition to the title ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, and the subsequent national media focus, the winner will secure an investment of £3,000. Other awards include Best Export Business, Best Growth potential and Best Entrepreneurial Spirit.

Gerry Ford, Director of Advantage, who manages the event, praised the creative and innovative nature of the applicants: “The difference in this year’s awards is palpable. We had 133 applicants from every corner of Northern Ireland, their creative mindset, their sheer grit and their determination to succeed, particularly in the current climate, is an inspiration. They should be rightly recognised as the lifeblood of the Northern Ireland economy.”