Creator of Ultimo lingerie, Michelle Mone, who lives and works in the East Kilbride area, has been praised by HRH The Prince of Wales who described her as a 'great ambassador', whilst speaking at a conference in Edinburgh today (Wed 3 June) on behalf of the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust.

Talking about Michelle, HRH Prince Charles told the audience; "She is a great example, I think, of what can be achieved and she's a great ambassador not only for the trust but for Scotland." HRH The Prince of Wales also took his hat off to Michelle for her rank as one of the top 3 female entrepreneurs in the UK and commended her involvement with the BBC’s Apprentice show.

Michelle, once herself a beneficiary of PSYBT funding, now runs one of Scotland’s most successful companies and one of the world’s most recognised lingerie brands, Ultimo. Michelle, who sits on the Board for the PSYBT alongside HRH Prince Charles, said; “It’s a great honour to work with the Prince of Wales and to continue to support young entrepreneurs through the PSYBT.

“I’m extremely proud to be part of the PSYBT and sit on the board. The PSYBT is a huge contributor to Scotland’s future and provides a fantastic sringboard for young entrepreneurs, their business ideas and innovations. It is Scotland’s young people who have the most potential to develop the economy, so PSYBT isn’t only an important resource, but it’s an essential resource in Scotland’s development.

“I know from experience how intimidating it can be to put your name and business idea out there, but PSYBT gives Scotland’s budding entrepreneurs the right tools and support to succeed.”

Over the years Michelle’s business has gone from strength-to-strength, developing beyond the original umbrella of Ultimo to encompass Ultimo D-G Cup, Ultimo Black Label, Ultimo Shapewear, Ultimo Swimwear and partner lines including Diamond Boutique for Tesco, Adore Moi for Debenhams and Michelle for George for Asda, named after her.

The past 12 months has been an incredible period for Michelle professionally; not only was Ultimo the first UK lingerie brand to debut on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week last September, but Michelle this year launched a further 20 ‘shop in shops’ within Debenhams in key cities throughout the UK and landed a mammoth deal with Tesco clothing to develop, design and manufacture ‘Diamond Boutique’ lingerie.

Michelle also appeared as a contestant on Comic Relief Does the Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar in March and last week launched a new brand, Miss Ultimo, with Peaches Geldof, which has already been a huge hit with women, selling out across the board within days.

ENDS June 2009
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