AN employee of Otley College has scooped an accolade at an event highlighting those who support UK entrepreneurs and small businesses.Neil Ridley, who works on the commercial team, won an individual award for helping small businesses in the UK at the Enterprise Support Awards, and came third overall in the contest, which was organised by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative.

AN employee of Otley College has scooped an accolade at an event highlighting those who support UK entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Neil Ridley, who works on the commercial team, won an individual award for helping small businesses in the UK at the Enterprise Support Awards, and came third overall in the contest, which was organised by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative.

The winner of the first TV series of The Apprentice, Tim Campbell, was among the presenters and has was joined by keynote speaker and business writer Robert Ashton.

Mr Ridley, who started his carer at Otley as a stockman in the agricultural department, said he was “chuffed”.

“It is nice to receive awards for the work that you do and I was chuffed to be invited to this top business bash,” he said.

Director of business solutions Rosanne Wijnberg said: “I would like to congratulate Neil on his success. He has been a great servant to the college and I am sure that this will continue to be the case for many years to come.”

Mr Ridley was commended for his work on a number of business projects, and was congratulated for his efforts in supporting a women in work scheme in which women in the agricultural industry are given training.