A 17 year old entrepreneur from Darwen has been presented with a bursary award to help him grow his business after showing a flair for enterprise.
Liam Dargan runs a graphic design, photography and film business part time while studying at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA). Dargan Media has worked with several local businesses on marketing projects and Liam is on the Board of Directors at DART gallery in Darwen. Liam’s enterprising behaviour was so impressive that he was recently awarded with a Pennine Lancashire Youth Enterprise Fund bursary.
The Youth Enterprise Fund helps enterprising young people between 14 and 25 and was established by Regenerate Pennine Lancashire in 2011 after winning North West Capital of Enterprise. The fund is delivered in partnership with the Community Foundation for Lancashire.
Liam said: “The best thing about running a business is being able to work flexible hours and the bursary has enabled me to buy a laptop so I can work on projects wherever I am. It allows me to balance the business with my college work and present my portfolio to potential clients.”
Liam’s aims to go to University in London next year, but has no doubts that he will return to grow his business in Lancashire.
“I will continue to develop Dargan Media in my spare time and come back to Darwen with the skills I learn at University to make a difference here.”
It’s not the first time Liam’s work has been recognised. In February this year, a short film of his was screened in Manchester’s Cornerhouse cinema following a competition and also featured on the website of the band Coldplay. One of his designs made it to the semi-final of a national competition by Adobe.
Steve Hoyle, Managing Director of Regenerate and Chair of the Youth Fund said, “Liam’s enthusiasm to develop and build upon his portfolio is beyond his years. The Youth Fund should help him to gain future work and continue to build upon his experience of running a business”.
More details on the fund and how to apply can be found at http://growthlancs.wpengine.com/business-finance/pennine-lancashire-youth-enterprise-fund/
