The Wee House Company founder named Young Entrepreneur of the Year

The founder of The Wee House Company, Jennifer Higgins, has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland and Northern Ireland at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The Wee House Company combines cutting-edge modular build with classic design principles to create homes with character and charm.

Now in its eighth year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Starling Bank celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in the UK, rather than the business’ balance sheet.

The category recognises some of the UK’s brightest young entrepreneurial talent and their ability to create business success that defies expectations of their age.

With Covid-19 restrictions preventing the regional finals taking place at a live event, Jennifer won the award during a virtual award ceremony joined by finalists across every region.

In a video message to finalists, Chancellor Rishi Sunak 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.”

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, 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.”

Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, 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.

“I’m so excited that Starling, a business I founded in 2014 and now the Best British Bank, is sponsoring such an important Awards. And as one entrepreneur to another, congratulations to getting where you are this evening and best of luck for the future.”

On watching the live online announcement, Jennifer 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”

The winners of each category will now go to the National Final of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, with a date to be announced due to restrictions on large events.