A 19-year-old entrepreneur has been announced as a finalist for the Young Business Person of the Year Award at the Hampshire Business Awards 2024.

Dmitrijs Meiksans, director of The Local Marketing Company Ltd, has been recognised for the second consecutive year since starting his business journey at 16.

His marketing agency provides modern, data-driven marketing solutions to help businesses across Hampshire and beyond reach their target audiences and achieve growth.

Mr Meiksans said: "I am truly honoured to be considered for the Young Business Person of the Year Award once again.

"To be recognised alongside so many talented business leaders in Hampshire is an incredible validation of the hard work and passion that I have put into my business."

His achievements include managing digital campaigns for a senior Parliamentarian during her re-election campaign, working with a global healthcare recruitment agency to enhance their social media presence, and managing targeted paid advertising campaigns for a national participant recruitment company for medical research studies.

Mr Meiksans has also been involved with local initiatives such as the Pride of Andover Awards and the Test Valley Business Awards, providing complimentary marketing services to ensure these events receive the recognition they deserve.

In addition, he created the Test Valley Young Entrepreneurs Contest, a programme that supports aspiring young entrepreneurs by providing £1,000 in sponsorship and mentorship from established local business leaders.

This initiative has helped a young entrepreneur launch Andover’s first-ever cat café.

Mr Meiksans added: "As a young leader, I believe in the power of mentorship and giving back to the community that has supported my own journey.

"It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive changes that come from empowering others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams."

Balancing the responsibilities of running a business while completing his A-Levels has been one of Dmitrijs' greatest challenges.

This year, he has managed the complexities of scaling a marketing agency, maintaining academic commitments, and having a personal life.

Mr Meiksans continued: "This year has tested my ability to manage competing demands, but it has also taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, time management, and the importance of adaptability.

"I’ve grown not just as a business owner, but as an individual."

The Hampshire Business Awards will take place on November 21 at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre.