Manchester Business Owner In Running To Be Named ‘Britain’s Most Inspirational’
| 26th November 2015
Stretford-based Christina Taylor, who runs her local performing arts company, The Aim Sky High Company, has been announced as one of 10 finalists for Britain’s Most Inspirational Small Business Owner Award.
The competition, which an overwhelming response from small business nominations across the UK, was launched by online print retailer, Instantprint, to find and recognise a small business owner who has overcome challenges on the path to success.
Mum-of-one, Christina, 24, runs a dance organisation for 2-18 year-olds, aimed at solving social issues through dance. Her story started when she taught a dance group in her local youth centre at the age of 13 to help keep herself and other young people off the streets in an underprivileged area where gun crime and gangs had increased.
By the age of 16, she received a £70,000 grant to voluntarily run dance projects for children who couldn’t afford it, and since then her students have become North West, UK and World street dance champions, appearing on Got to Dance, Britain’s Got Talent, CBBC and feature films. Her first year as a registered limited company has seen her turnover reach £100,000 and she has worked with over 2,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds.
“I feel humbled and excited to be in with a chance of taking home the title”, said Christina. “It’s been a dream to work with these amazing kids and inspire their lives. I hope people feel as inspired about my business as I do. For many of these children it’s changed their sense of direction, I am so proud of them and hope I can continue to make a difference.”
James Kinsella, Co-Founder of instantprint, said: “Christina is an inspiration to all. Her work in her local community has been outstanding and this was one of the reasons she really stood out to us. Her dance company does not just inspire children, it can change their lives. We hope people can see all the good she is doing to help influence the lives of others.
“The quality of entries was incredibly high and some truly inspirational people were nominated – we’re extremely excited to see which of our chosen 10 will take the title of ‘Britain’s Most Inspirational Small Business Owner’.”
After nominations, Christina Taylor was chosen as a finalist by the campaign’s judges; James Kinsella of instantprint, Lewis Bowen of Air Industries (formerly Geco) and Phil Geraghty of Crowdfunder. Finalists have the opportunity to win £1,500, plus a range of promotional products from instantprint.
The public can now vote for Christina to take home the title of Britain’s Most Inspirational Small Business Owner by visiting www.instantprint.co.uk/inspirational-business-awards. Voting ends on Sunday 6th December. The winner will be announced on Friday 11thDecember.