A BUSINESSWOMAN from Cumnock has been crowned Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Jennifer Higgins, of the Wee House Company, won the accolade ahead of three other contestants in her category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, which were held online.

Jennifer will now go through to the national final of the awards where she will face off against the winners of each category.

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered a video message to all of the finalists praising their efforts.

He said: “Entrepreneurs [have shown they] stay strong, even during a global pandemic.

“Coronavirus hasn’t stifled enterprise.

“Entrepreneurs are creating new businesses and adapting to the crisis, as seen in this year’s entries.

“And that’s what we need to happen if we want our economy to bounce back.

“We need all of you to keep inventing, keep taking risks, keep creating new businesses.

“It’s my job as Chancellor to celebrate, champion and support you.

“Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to all of you for everything you’ve done.”

Jennifer’s business operates out of the Caponacre Industrial Estate in Cumnock, where she employs a large team of construction workers.

She said: “What an honour to win at the GBEA!

“I’d like to thank the amazing team at The Wee House Company as well as everyone else who has supported me on this journey.”

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, was full of praise for Jennifer.

She said: “Jennifer has a wonderful entrepreneurial story and I’m delighted for her to win this award.

“I’ll be keeping a very close eye on what she does in the years to come and look forward to welcoming her to the community.”

At only 28-years-old, Jennifer, originally from Drongan is a shining beacon of business success in the area, her modular housing company has been delivering affordable homes throughout Scotland.

Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, who sponsored the awards, said: “We’re entrepreneurs and we have spirit.

“We fight back and we’re very good at dealing with adversity.

“And Jennifer is an example to us all, of entrepreneurs that are creative, innovative, and changing the world.

“As one entrepreneur to another, congratulations to getting where you are this evening and best of luck for the future.”

Congratulations to Jennifer from all at the Cumnock Chronicle.