Fourteen-year-old Ben O’Connor from Castlewellan, Co Down, is making waves in the business world as a teenage entrepreneur. Having launched his first business at the tender age of nine, Ben has now been nominated for two prestigious entrepreneurial awards.
Ben’s entrepreneurial journey began on his family farm, where he started selling wood from old trees. Over the years, he expanded his business to include selling Christmas ornaments and other decorations, which led to a nomination for Young Entrepreneur at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Ben noticed a gap in the market for burr baskets and decided to launch his latest venture, Giftery. Despite facing challenges due to his age, Ben persevered and successfully launched his spring-themed box.
Balancing school work, farm duties, and running a business, Ben has shown remarkable dedication and determination. He hopes to continue growing his business and even dreams of expanding into the UK market.
With nominations for Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Retail and E-Commerce StartUp of the Year Award, Ben’s hard work and innovation have not gone unnoticed. Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the UK StartUp Awards, praised Ben and other finalists for their impact on the economy.
As Ben continues to navigate the challenges of being a young businessman, he remains focused on his goals and is determined to succeed. With a bright future ahead, Ben’s entrepreneurial spirit serves as an inspiration to aspiring young business owners everywhere.