Winner: Joe Carnell

Finalists: Craig Benton, Tom Hutchinson

A 21-YEAR-OLD who has opened two health food outlets in the space of a year with plans for a further three next year has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Joe Carnell launched UGOT in a bit to revolutionise the health food market “one salad at a time”.

With a team of 25 staff, UGOT started life trading out of York Station before opening in Newcastle Station in July.

The judges said Joe gave a very passionate presentation of a very innovative business concept, and described the youngster as a very motivated young entrepreneur who has an appetite for observing urban life and translating his observations into his business activities.

They said Joe has a clear vision for the future and a driving ambition to make a difference.

Joe, who was recently named as a runner-up in the New Retailer of the Year category at the national Investec Food and Drink awards, said: “I am so massively honoured to win this incredible award. It really means a lot.

“It’s a really big boost to my confidence as I look to grow UGOT further next year. We’re looking to open in Leeds in January, in Harrogate in March and in Newcastle city centre in June.”

Targeting an age group market of 18 to 30, UGOT was created as part of Mr Carnell’s bid to explore the synergy between food, music and fashion, while making full use of a new marketing age focused around social media.

Selling around 200 cold press juices a week, UGOT creates all its products freshly from a head office and kitchen in Wetherby, and was also a finalist in the New Business of the Year category.

Judges in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category also paid tribute to the other finalists, describing Tom Hutchinson as an extremely talented craftsman, with a natural entrepreneurial flair in his business Tom Hutchinson Design.

They said Craig Benton, of the London Deli Company, demonstrated real entrepreneurial spirit and passion for his brand.