21 November 2024
Two talented Fife College students have been named the recipients of this year’s prestigious Adam Smith 300 Enterprise Scholarship, recognising their entrepreneurial drive and innovative business ideas.
Created by Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, in partnership with Fife Council Economic Development, OnFife, and Business Gateway Fife, the scholarship supports the College’s aspiring entrepreneurs by providing funding and mentorship to help them launch their businesses.
First awarded last year to mark Adam Smith’s 300th anniversary, this year’s recipients, Kevin Cranston and Clark Rennie stood out from a highly competitive field of applicants. Each student will receive a £500 cash award and tailored business mentoring and support from Business Gateway Fife. They will also benefit from access to the cutting-edge Design Suite in the refurbished Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, provided by OnFife.
Heather Stewart, Chief Executive of OnFife, presented certificates to Kevin and Clark on behalf of the scholarship partners during a special ceremony at the Theatre earlier this week (20 November). HND Screen Production student Kevin Cranston, from Methil, aims to use his scholarship to help establish his own production company.
Kevin said:
“Winning this scholarship is fantastic! This will help so much in getting my business up and running while also expanding my networking opportunities. I couldn’t be happier, and I can’t wait to get started.”
HND Jewellery student Clark Rennie, from Thurso, will use his scholarship award to enhance his craft and get his jewellery business off the ground.
Clark said:
“Winning this scholarship means so much to me. It is not just a recognition of my passion and hard work but also an incredible opportunity to grow as a jewellery designer. The £500 cash award will make a huge difference in my creative process.
“I plan to invest in essential tools and equipment that will significantly enhance my jewellery making, particularly a jewellery kiln and enamel tools. These tools will allow me to incorporate enamel into my designs, adding a unique and vibrant touch to my pieces.”
Adam Fairweather, Head of School – Business, Digital and Creative at Fife College, said:
“The Adam Smith 300 Enterprise Scholarship continues to highlight the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. Kevin and Clark have demonstrated outstanding creativity and determination in developing their business ideas, and this scholarship will provide them with the support and resources they need to take their first steps as entrepreneurs.
“We would like to thank Fife Council, OnFife, and Business Gateway Fife for their invaluable collaboration in making this scholarship a reality. We look forward to working together with them to inspire and nurture many more entrepreneurs of the future here in Fife.”
Pamela Stevenson, Service Manager, Fife Council Economic Development, said:
“Fife Council’s Economic Development Team is pleased to support the Adam Smith 300 Enterprise Scholarship in partnership with Business Gateway Fife, OnFife and Fife College.
“This initiative highlights the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial talent in Fife. Kevin and Clark have shown great potential, and we are confident this support will help them progress their business ideas and future careers.”
Heather Stuart, Chief Executive, OnFife, said:
“After the success of last year’s scholarship – which also culminated in student filmmaker Jeanette Sendler’s film being shown in the Adam Smith Theatre – we’re looking forward to welcoming Kevin and Clark to the Design Suite and seeing how their year unfolds. We hope their residency here will help them achieve their exciting ambitions.”
Fraser McKee, Senior Business Adviser, Business Gateway Fife, said:
“Kevin and Clark are both worthy winners of this prestigious scholarship and a great fit to be able to make full use of the fabulous facilities within the Design Suite. We at Business Gateway Fife very much look forward to working with them both as they look to progress and grow their businesses through bespoke 1-1 advice from a dedicated adviser.”
For further details about scholarships at Fife College, visit the Adam Smith Scholarships page or email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.