Gareth Grey from Killadeas has been selected as a finalist for the Invest NI 25 Year Entrepreneur Award. This award is part of the Prince's Trust Northern Ireland Celebrate Success Awards.

This year is the 25th year of the Prince's Trust Business Programme in Northern Ireland, and to celebrate this momentous landmark, Invest Northern Ireland is sponsoring this award which celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of the Business Programme.

Gareth's business, 'Tullymeadows Ice Cream' is one of the final five short-listed from over 1,800 businesses that have been set up through the Business Programme.

It enables young people to fulfil their ambition of starting their own business by providing them with a low cost loan or a grant, as well as support from a business mentor. The programme is funded by Invest NI and the European Regional Development Fund.

Gareth was unemployed for 15 months following his move back to Northern Ireland. He faced a huge financial barrier, a loan from The Prince's Trust to set up his business helped him on his way.

Tully Meadows produce luxury ice cream, using high quality products. The business now supplies the catering trade and retailers as well as his on-site store. Gareth employs six local people and his business sustains his family farm.

He has achieved success North and South of the border and has recently secured a contract with Tesco for his Tickety-Moo range. He is very committed to his business and hopes that his ice cream will be available across the UK in the coming years.

Paul Brush, Invest NI's Head of Entrepreneurship Development, said: "The finalists in this awards competition have demonstrated their high levels of motivation, tenacity and entrepreneurial skills to reach this stage."

The Invest NI 25 Year Entrepreneur Award will be presented at The Prince's Trust Northern Ireland's Celebrate Success Awards at Belfast's Ramada Hotel on 28th of November.