Matt Rees, 17, and Abimbola Ariyibi, 16, are co-directors of Solar Eclipse, a venture they launched at Netherhall Sixth Form that produces and sells reflective cycling safety wear. In March they were shortlisted as finalists in Enterprise UK’s Enterprising Young Brits competition after pitching their product to a panel of judges that included Miles Templeman, Director General at the Institute of Directors, and Penny Newman, Chief Executive of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Foundation. Despite narrowly missing out on the top prize, the judges awarded the talented duo a special commendation for “teamwork”, and “innovation” at a special event at London’s Institute of Directors on Tuesday.

Enterprising Young Brits shines the spotlight on talented young people who are bucking the recession by seizing opportunities to turn their ideas into successful businesses, generating jobs and wealth within their communities. Run by Enterprise UK and supported by the Institute of Directors, the Daily Mail, and the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills, the competition highlights that age is no barrier to turning ideas into successful businesses.

Commenting on the Cambridge duo’s success, Scott Cain, Deputy Chief Executive of Enterprise UK, said: “Once again these awards have shown that young people have more than enough creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial talent to succeed in business. I hope that Matt and Abimbola’s example will show Cambridge’s aspiring entrepreneurs that age is no barrier to turning their ambition and passions into something that makes money and makes a difference within their community.”

Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said: “Entrepreneurs are the engines of the UK economy, and recognising their achievements and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps is vital for the country’s long-term prosperity. This year’s finalists have demonstrated ingenuity, talent, and determination in making their ideas happen. Their achievements signal a bright future for British business, and I would like to wish them all the luck in their future endeavours.”

Now in its sixth year, Enterprising Young Brits has discovered some of Britain’s finest entrepreneurial talent, including Jamie Murray Wells, founder of the award winning Glasses Direct, Ali Clabburn, who won the Social and Community category in 2005, and Priya Lakhani, who gave up a successful career in Law to launch her range of Masala Masala cooking sauces and who triumphed in the business category in 2009.

Next year’s competition will open for entries in January 2011.