Young entrepreneur

THREE very different businesses are represented in the Young Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Kirklees College, with Mike Lomas of Big Red Industries, Jilly Scott of House of Lashes and Alex Mason of Alex Mason PR making the final three.

Mike Lomas is the group managing director of Big Red Industries. At 27 years old Mike has led the company to significant milestones and growth over the last 18 months securing a number of high profile contracts within Huddersfield – and across the UK, most notably the project to redevelop the Co-Op site at the top of Chapel Hill.

He has set himself huge challenges for 2019, identifying a number of areas where they can grow and develop in the UK but also internationally. In their submission they said: “Big Red Industries isn’t just a normal construction company with bricks and mortar. We are looking at ways of moving the construction industry into the present day by using experience from the best construction companies and mixing it with modern

Alex Mason launched his own PR company last year after overcoming a personal battle with mental health.

And after little more than 12 months in business he now has nine retained clients on his books and is forecast to more than double his profits over the next year.

He works with some of the most recognised names in Huddersfield – securing online, print and broadcast media coverage for them. Alex said: “I’m extremely proud of how I managed to grow my own business over the last 12 months. I am very open and honest about my battle with mental health issues and this has helped me establish open and honest working relationships with individuals which in turn have led to fantastic commercial opportunities.”