A HANLEY Swan man has won an award for helping young people to start and develop their own businesses.

Richard Partos has worked as a small business adviser for Business Link Gloucestershire for two years, giving support and encouragement to young entrepreneurs.

Mr Partos was presented with an award recognising his contribution at the South West final of the 2004 Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. The awards celebrate top entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30 who have been trading between three and 18 months.