World Final – Belfast
Finalist: Phil Routhan, New Zealand

Philip Routhan

is a worthy winner for his country and for the world final.--We were impressed in a number of areas – his personality, his dedication to the company, the fact that he has spent his own money and taken risks by developing the business.--It is to his great credit that instead of liquidating the business he had acquired which was in serious trouble, as suggested by his professional advisors, he put together a five pronged programme to manage the company out of trouble.--He borrowed money and obviously took a lot of risks-as any entrepreneur has to do, normally without the help of the financial houses.--He organized good professional help and assistance, attended management courses and, as stated by one of his course leaders, was unique in that he was the only student paying for the course out of his own pocket.--In his own words, he had to “work virtually all day and all night”, as well as learning management techniques along the way.--A young man driven to achieve the highest standards he sets for himself in all aspects of his life.--He has done exceedingly well.--With integrity and a pleasant personality he is an ideal example of what the World Young Business Achiever event is all about.