Ambitious Mike has his own IT company . . . at just 17

A teenage businessman who set up his own IT company at just 17-years-old has been nominated for a national young entrepreneur of the year award.

Michael Turner, 17, set up his IT company, Turnkey IT Solutions, in January this year and just eight months after its launch, has an annual turnover of £60,000.

He runs the business from his parents' home in Lympsham, employs three part-time members of staff and has around 50 clients on his books.

Michael, who used to attend Kings of Wessex School in Cheddar, left behind the classroom at 16 with eight GCSEs.

He then went to enrol at Bridgwater College on an IT course, but when he realised he already knew much of what was being taught, he quit and was encouraged by tutors to concentrate on his business.

The ambitious teenager, who designed his first website for a family friend at the age of just 11, spent the following months raising money to start the business by gardening, designing websites and giving IT advice and support to friends and family.

His hard work has now seen him shortlisted in the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards which is open to business people aged between 16 and 30.

Michael is one of eight young people to be selected from 29 finalists across the UK and the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at Shell HQ in London on October 27.

If he wins he will be presented with £10,000 and a package of marketing support to help him continue to grow his business.

Michael says despite the success of his business, he still enjoys doing things that other 17-year-olds do.

He said: "I had been designing websites since the age of 11 as well as offering IT support and solutions to family and friends and local businesses.

"It was after I quit college that I was encouraged by my tutors to concentrate on my business.

"I am amazed at its success and plan to take it much further and grow it into a nationally successful company.

"I do work hard and you have to have a lot of enthusiasm for what you do.

"But I still enjoy doing the same sort of things that other teenagers do, like going to the cinema and out with friends."

Previous winners of the prestigious award include Christian Arno of the hugely successful translation agency 'Lingo24'.

And Michael says although delighted with his success, he has yet to splash the cash.

He said: "Being young is often looked upon as an obstacle in business and it's great that organisations like Shell Livewire celebrate and support young entrepreneurs.

"I'm not planning to go mad and order a Bentley because I am quite happy driving around in my Citroen C2."