Hi, welcome to my very first blog.

My name is Anna Lawn-Thomas, I work for Shell liveWIRE in Edinburgh and I work from home.

I have had a busy week and thought I would share some of my Friday thoughts - the main one is that you really do have to be in it to win it!

On Monday I was a speaker at PSYBT's networking event Elevator in Edinburgh.  The evenings theme was the different competitions available to young entrepreneurs in Scotland.  As well as the Shell liveWIRE Grand Ideas Awards (4 prizes of £1000 every month awarded for innnovative business ideas - very user friendly application form - you dont even have to upload a business plan) and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award there are loads of other awards that are open to young entrepreneurs.  Have a look at some of the following websites when you get a moment free, Shell liveWire www.shell-livewire.org/awards PSYBT, Visit Scotland, HSBC Start-Up Stars, SIE, Nesta, to get a better idea of the types of competitions that are available.  As well as winning cash prizes which can help you build your business, entering competitions will also really help to raise your companies and your own profile.  Winning competitions may also help you to attract match funding from other sources and can also give you a well deserved pat on the back, which is always nice.

I am currently organising city visits for the Shell liveWIRE team.  If you are based in Aberdeenshire we will be in town at the Soul Bar, Aberdeen on the 24th of February from 6-8pm.  Come along and meet us and network with other young entrepreneurs in your area.  2 of the Grand Ideas Winners based in Aberdeenshire will be on hand on the night to share their experience of entering and winning the Grand Ideas Awards in 2009. 

LiveWIRE is also  coming to Manchester on the 23rd and 24th of March, venue and time tbc, I will update here and also on the discussion forum. 

Check out the Grand Ideas Awards www.shell-livewire.org/awards there are 4 prizes of £1000 available every month - don't forget, you have to be in it to win it!