Business world wakes up to Daniel's potential

Left to right: Glyn Roberts, Colleges NI Chair; Junior Minister Alastair Ross MLA; Daniel Gallagher Ã¢Â¬ student from NWRC, Overall Winner; Leo Murphy, Principal NWRC, Gerry Campbell, Colleges NI CEO; John Friel, FSB NI Regional Chair

Daniel Gallagher who has devised a smart app to turn off electronic appliances when their user falls asleep, walked away with the top award and £1,350 in prize money.

Conscious of both the potential energy savings, and the reduced risks of devices overheating if left on for longer periods, Daniel now plans to use his award to work with app builders to develop his project and integrate it within sports watches and devices that already monitor their owners’ heart rates.

Daniel is a full time student on the Foundation degree in Business and Enterprise Year 2 programme at NWRC.

NWRC Curriculum Manager for Business Dympna Harley said:” The Department of Business, Hospitality, Tourism and Performing Arts is delighted with Daniel’s FSB Future Student of Business Overall Winner award.

“Daniel has an outstanding business idea that was selected from entries across all six Further Education colleges by the judging panel.”

Presenting the prize to the overall winner Junior Minister Alastair Ross said: “These awards are an excellent opportunity for further education students to gain recognition for their business skills and their future potential for business success.

“Entrepreneurship is of vital importance to the economy and it is only right that it is recognised and rewarded.

“I am delighted to see this type of collaboration between the Federation of Small Businesses and our local further education colleges.