EVER since a couple of young entrepreneurs came on the scene in York, they have been creating their own scenario of success.

Now Rosie Ellis, 23, and Matthew East, 24, of Scenecraft UK, are pitching for the title of the Evening Press Young Business Entrepreneur of the Year.

Fresh from Teesside University with degrees in entertainment design crafts, Rosie and Matthew were keen to begin their professional careers in scenic design.

However, the pair found that most scenic design companies are London based, highly competitive and offer only short-term contract work.

Convinced that working long irregular hours away from home was not for them, the idea for Scenecraft UK was conceived.

They came up with a "bread and butter" plan to get them through the quiet periods. Armed with under £1,000, using borrowed work tools and a garage as their workshop, the two created some unusual bird tables which were favourably received at their first showing, at the York Farmers' Market. Orders started to roll in - a bigger range of garden products was developed and now the success of the business speaks for itself.

The venture has moved to larger premises in Easingwold, and now has a van with the help of a grant from Yorkshire Forward.

Another £2,000 flowed in when the business won the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year regional final in March. With the winnings, they bought a computer and set up a company website.

The pair use timber from renewable sources and recently signed a contract with gas infrastructure company Transco to re-use its waste gas piping.

Rosie and Matthew are now getting the chance to stretch the design skills they learned at university and are picking up exciting projects including a giant wicker man for ITV, giant Christmas crackers for a shopping centre and skeletons in piratical garb for a new feature at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Updated: 09:56 Thursday, August 19, 2004