Pure delight at awards night

Oct 17 2008 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

AN ENTERPRISING student who has set up a thriving business and a boxing coach who has given years of service to the local community have been honoured at the second annual West Sound Community Awards Night.

Over 200 invited guests packed the Ayrshire Suite of Ayr Racecourse on an emotional evening as the awards recognised heroes in the community from Child Bravery to Best Workplace to Contribution to the Community, Sport and more.

And there was local success with Kilwinning’s Kris McLaughlin, who set up his own car wash venture in the town almost four years ago receiving the Business Person of the Year award.

Kris, 22, manages to juggle studying for his honours degree in business management at Glasgow Caledonian University with running KML Car Wash in the town’s Stevenston Road.

But despite all the pressure, the bright student couldn’t be happier as he strives to be Scotland’s answer to Sir Alan Sugar.

At just 17, Kris had set up his own garden maintenance business, KML Gardens, to pay for his university fees and travelling costs. Then, four years ago, he set up KML Car Wash on land his father owned.

And now the young entrepreneur, who started out with a humble bucket and sponge, employs eight staff and has also branched out into valetting motors too.

Delighted at the award, Kris said: “I’m chuffed to bits, it’s great to win this.

“I’m proud of everyone who works with me and it’s a team effort to achieve this.

“I also believe in supporting the local sports teams in the town and being part of the Kilwinning community.”

And picking up the Contribution to Sport Award was Irvine’s Alec Mullen who has single-handedly built Vineburgh Boxing Club from a group which met in a wrecked hut to a thriving club which now takes an average of 30 boys a night off the streets of Irvine and keeps them away from trouble as well as giving them a purpose in life.

Alec takes the club six nights a week and, as well as giving the youngsters a purpose, he takes them around the country to competitions at weekends. He does it all voluntarily and is a credit to the community.

“I’m delighted to receive this award,” said Alec who has watched many of his young charges go from raw youngsters to national champions in an incredibly short time.

“But it’s not just for me, it’s for everyone else who works so hard behind the scenes and, above all it’s for the boys, it’s their dedication and enthusiasm which has made this award possible.”