A Ballycastle independent has reached the final in a young entrepreneur awards after a panel of judges deemed her one of the most successful young businesswomen in the north of Northern Ireland.

Optometrist Emma Richard (pictured) will find out if she has won this year’s ‘eircom Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ accolade at a gala awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast on December 3.

Ms Richmond, who qualified seven years ago, opened Emma Richmond Opticians in Ballycastle in 2007.

Darren Lemon, general manager of eircom NI, said: “Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of the Northern Ireland economy and we are delighted to be able to help these young people develop their ideas.

“The economy is in a difficult place right now but when the upturn comes, as it must do sooner or later, we need young business people like these, with drive and ambition, to put the province firmly back on the commercial map.”

Gerry Ford, director of Advantage which promotes the Awards, added: “This year’s entrants have impressed us with their innovation, commitment and drive and we look forward to watching their businesses grow over the years, and of course to see which of the final eight finalists will be crowned eircom Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”

The annual Awards is designed to celebrate the ‘spirit of enterprise’ of people aged 16-30 throughout Northern Ireland.

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