Start up founder celebrates awards win

NEWTON Stewart start-up BlazeBalm has won big at the regional leg of the EDGE awards.

The awards recognise and support innovative, high growth potential entrepreneurial talent from across Scotland.

Founded by Alisha Fuller-Armah, BlazeBalm has created a flame retardant membrane made from upcycled waste to protect resources from wildfires without water, power or retardants.

And Tuesday’s ceremony in Peebles saw BlazeBalm come away with a £15,000 prize to be invested back into the business.

Reacting to the award, Alisha said: “The cash is brilliant, of course, but even more powerful is joining the Scottish Edge movement and the extraordinary companies that have come through it.

“I left hugely inspired by the other finalists — from using stem cells to create human-derived breast milk to improve formula for children, to cycling world champions building an amazing space for kids, and a tenacious founder using AI in wonderful and wondrous ways - and so many more besides.

“Scotland’s start-up scene is absolutely on fire.

“Huge thanks to South of Scotland Enterprise; particularly Michelle Skotzen; Scottish Enterprise; Scottish EDGE; and everyone behind Regional EDGE.”