With many UK firms struggling to innovate against the current economic backdrop, a graduate’s business is one of 38 Scottish businesses with high-growth potential to have received a much-needed injection of cash at the 22nd round of the Scottish EDGE Awards that took place 29 November 2023.

Fairouz Dridi, who graduated in 2020 from UWS Ayr campus, is founder of Screen Hustler (Glasgow) – a talent marketplace and portfolio platform for the film and TV industry – and winner of Young EDGE.

Scottish EDGE was undoubtedly the most prestigious and outstanding award experience. The judges’ commitment to providing detailed feedback underscores the professionalism and dedication of the competition.

I’m absolutely buzzing about winning and being surrounded by champions!”

Fairouz Dridi

Founded in 2023, Screen Hustler was set up by Fairouz to offer a comprehensive suite of visual design and branding services for young creatives in the screen industry, such as filmmakers, actors, set designers, video editors, makeup artists, screenwriters and cinematographers.

Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, said: “As businesses across Scotland find themselves facing challenging circumstances, there’s never been a more urgent need to drive creativity and innovation. The winners of the 22nd round of Scottish EDGE are testament to the incredible potential within Scotland’s start-up landscape. The addition of further awards this round, both Pathways and Food and Drink, has allowed us to reward more businesses, and alongside our partner organisations we continue our commitment to help Scottish businesses not just survive, but to thrive”.