Bank backing for Lewes skateboard entrepreneur (From The Argus)

Bank backing for Lewes skateboard entrepreneur

12:00pm Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Business News

A skateboarding entrepreneur has received a cash boost. Ollie Swayne, 21 from Lewes, is one of the winners in The Stake – an online competition organised by Barclays.

The competition is aimed at inspiring 16 to 21-year-olds to use their business and skills to support community or business ideas that will make a difference. Mr Swayne plans to build a skateboarding park in Lewes.

He wants to run a mobile skateboarding facility, complete with ramps and rails, where young people can learn, exercise and socialise in a secure area.

He said: “I entered the competition optimistic that I had a winning idea but was shocked when I found out I had actually been selected. I feel like this opportunity will lead me to the dream career I have always wanted and spent the past nine years formulating.”

He will be given up to £20,000 to make his ideas a reality and will receive support from top business leaders from Barclays.