A 29-year-old business guru has scooped the coveted title Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 at prestigious awards held at the Parliament Buildings, Belfast.

Ryan Daly fought off stiff competition from seven other finalists to win the top award.

He set up his Lisburn-based company Daly Renewables in August 2010 and over the past year has developed it to become a leading name in the renewable energy market.

The firm designs, installs, commissions and provides maintenance for bespoke underfloor heating and renewable energy systems for self-build homes.

The young entrepreneur said he was delighted to have won the top title:

“I am really pleased, this will give us good exposure in the market. It will also allow us to expand further into export markets,” he said.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, who presented the awards, praised the creativity, flair and determination of Northern Ireland’s young entrepreneurs.

Addressing guests at the event Mrs Foster said: “This year’s finalists are all inspirational young people who have shown the judges they have the creativity, flair and determination to succeed in the business world.

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“All eight finalists have worked extremely hard and have demonstrated a level of commitment and professionalism that deserves to be celebrated.

“We need to support and encourage more young entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland as they have a huge role to play in growing our future economy.”

Emphasising the important role enterprise plays in the Northern Ireland economy, the minister added: “New businesses are a source of innovation and new ideas, wealth creation and employment.

“While inward investment is essential for any country or region striving to make its mark in a competitive world, of equal importance is indigenous industry, both in terms of the growth of existing businesses and the need to encourage a greater number of people to start new, innovative, globally-focused businesses.”

Many previous finalists of the competition are now Invest NI clients, such as Daryl Fullerton and Adrian Bradley, who founded Biznet Solutions.

Daryl and Adrian were finalists in 2002 and their company now employs 22 people with offices in Belfast, Londonderry and Houston.

“Success stories like this give us all hope for the future. Hope that the young entrepreneurs represented here today can develop and grow their own businesses through continued hard work, innovation and export sales,” said Mrs Foster.

Gerry Ford, director of Advantage, the organisation which manages the competition, said all of the entrepreneurs taking part were an inspiration to young people across the province.

“Young entrepreneurs are vitally important to the economy – they help drive the economy forward and their drive and determination is to be admired,” said Mr Ford.

For further info contact Daly Renewables on Tel: (028) 92667745 or

Visit: www.dalyrenewables.com