HIS canny advice helped students set up and run a company and now he has been recognised with an award.

Michael Young, of Petrel Croft, Kempshott, Basingstoke, has been presented with the South East Young Enterprise Business Adviser award for his work with Testbourne Community School students and their company Inspired.

Mr Young, a business consultant with his own company Kempshott Research Management, is chairman of the North Hampshire Young Enterprise Board and has been a volunteer for the Young Enterprise scheme for 10 years.

He said: “I was very surprised, but it was nice! Testbourne came second in the county finals and won best product, and as I said in my speech I took the award really on behalf of all the volunteer business advisors who do such a good job.”

The businessman, 58, said: “I would encourage youngsters to do Young Enterprise but I would also encourage more business advisers – particularly retired business people – to get involved.

“It’s extremely rewarding and I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it!”

The Young Enterprise programme is a voluntary scheme in which students from the age of 14 set up and run a company for an academic year.

Business people are called on to volunteer their time as business advisers.

The Testbourne company, Inspired, hand-made and sold wreaths, candles and bags at a Christmas trade fair in Basingstoke, and the team also made cookbooks for the recession, scented roses and bags to sell at Easter.

Mr Young’s award was presented by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Fay Webster, the institute’s regional director, added: “I am delighted that Michael Young is the winner of this award. I hope more business advisers and chartered accountants are encouraged to give their time.”