ONE of the country's biggest support bodies for young entrepreneurs has received a £55,000 boost.

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust has been given the money by BT Scotland to help around 15 new businesses across the country over the next 12 months.

BT announced details of its donation at the launch of its Young E-ntrepreneurs awards, which are organised by the Trust.

Mark Strudwick, the Trust's chief executive, said: "BT's backing us helped us support many young talented people to take their first steps towards self employment.

"These entrepreneurs are at the heart of our economy and it is through them we are continuing to see Scotland prosper."

There is a new category in this year's competition. Firms are to be given the chance to prove their green credentials with the Best Environmentally Responsible category.

Alan Bonas, BT Scotland's head of communication, said: "Our work with the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust is one of the most rewarding of our long-term partnerships.

"Over the years the initiative has moved with the times and, while we will continue to recognise great use of e-commerce among our fledgling businesses, we have noticed a growing interest in ethical and sustainable practices."

BT Scotland has invested more than £300,000 in the programme, helping around 125 young people develop and grow their own businesses.

One previous recipient is Nick Lobnitz, from Carry Freedom, Ayrshire, which supplies lightweight bike trailers.

Nick set up his company in 2004 with the help of a loan from PSYBT funded through BT Scotland.

Since then, he has gone on to secure distribution partners in all target countries and has developed new products, including budget and bamboo trailers for bikes.

This year, he is launching his first urban utility bike that will be maintenance free.

He said: "We have significantly expanded our business in terms of product development and selling to new territories. We are now the primary trailer supplier for Royal Mail, which is helping us do business with the Norwegian, Swedish and French postal services.

"For us, being environmentally responsible is at the heart of what we do as a business.

"Our product is all about travelling without a car and we constantly aim to reduce our own carbon footprint by minimising our resources and using suppliers who share our environmental values."