Asian "live wires" pick up top business prize
(August 2002)

Afzaal and Aftab Ahmed, founders of 3D animated puzzle company Fixits, won the prestigious title of Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2002 and £10,000 in prize monies. The Awards, now in their 20th year, are the culmination of an annual intensive four month competition.

Over 1000 of the best and most innovative new young businesses from across the UK competed for the title.

After two years gestation, Aftab [31] and Afzaal [30] founded Fixits last year to design, manufacture and market innovative 3D puzzles for children. They launched their first two titles 'Tiger Tiger' and 'Floating Zoo' at the main toy-trade fair only four months ago.

Their reinvention of the traditional puzzle - which dates back to the 1760s - was met with orders from zoos to multiples and from the UK to South Africa. They have been short-listed for the Gift of the Year Award, and will soon be stocked in Fenwicks', Hamleys and John Lewis stores, and have a projected turnover of £100,000 for their first year of trading.

At the Awards Nigel Griffiths MP said: "Small businesses are Britain's lifeblood. Not only do they contribute £1 trillion a year to the economy, but they help to revitalise communities by creating jobs, attracting investors and generating wealth. Shell LiveWIRE makes young people's dreams come true by helping turn their ideas into reality."

An expert judging panel comprising: Nick Brooks of Shell Internet Works; Joanna Marshall of Yo Yo textiles; Rosemary Emodi from the Greater London Authority, Colin Wilson, former Shell LiveWIRE Director for Scotland and Natasha Muktarsingh of The Mail on Sunday, reviewed each finalist's business plan, as well as conducting interviews to assess individual business acumen, potential and long-term viability.

Afzaal, co-founder of Fixits, said as he collected the title: "This is a huge accolade won in the face of strong competition from businesses across the UK. Young people in Britain recognise that there are credible and serious career paths offered by starting up a business. Now, with services like Shell LiveWIRE, the vital support is there to make the dreams a reality."

Congratulating them on their win, Clive Mather, Chairman of Shell in the UK, commented: "Competition is fierce, and the businesses impressive. Regional finalists from the last four years have created over 2,000 new jobs and delivered a combined turnover of £53.5 million. The Awards recognise the best in 2002, creating ambassadors for enterprise in the business community."

About Shell Livewire

Young people aged 16-30 and seeking business advice can request their FREE Essential Business Kit, tailored to their specific business or idea, by phoning the Shell LiveWIRE Lo-call hotline on 0845 757 3252 or by visiting www.shell-livewire.org. The pack includes business sector profiles, information booklets on how to conduct market research and write your first business plan, plus listings of local, independent business advisors who offer one-to-one business advice. Shell LiveWIRE promotes sustainable business practices through its service.