Entrepreneurs triumph over personal tragedy and celebrate being crowned top 10 national finalists in Barclays Trading Places awards!

27 September 2005

Ten inspirational entrepreneurs who transformed their lives from tragedy to triumph by setting up their own business were honoured at the Barclays Trading Places Awards 2006 which took place at the famous Café Royale in London's Piccadilly.

The business heroes ranged from a single dad of four who beat the dole by setting up his own wooden toy business, to a former fashion designer who lost her sight and now runs a successful disability consultancy.

The glittering black-tie Awards dinner, held at London's Café Royal on 27 September, was hosted by GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips.

The 10 businessmen and women collected their trophies before an audience of 250 before the Runner-Up and Overall Winner were announced by Barclays Marketing Director for Local Business, John Davis.

Mukesh Gohil, attending the event by special invitation, sat with one of the finalists - Woody Whittick - who has fought a battle with ME since her teens followed by a devastating spinal injury which forced her to leave her job. Determined to develop her interest in design and fashion, she enrolled on a millinery course and launched her own store last Summer.

Notes for editors:

For more information on the Barclays Trading place Awards and to find out details for 2007 visit the website.

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