Sarah Barclay, 21, of Hamilton, was declared runner-up at Scotland's Most Enterprising Student 2006 Awards. She will now join other top students in the grand UK final in London next week.

Sarah spent her summer establishing and successfully managing an eBay business for Hamilton-based Bikepod Ltd as part of the Shell Step programme. She liquidated slow moving stock and eased the company's cash flow problems by generating sales more than £6,000 with a net profit margin of around 11 per cent.

She said: "I can't believe that I've done so well, it's an amazing feeling. I really enjoyed doing my project and have got so much experience out of it, and to pick up the runners-up title is just fantastic.

James Smith, chairman of Shell UK, said: "The Shell Step programme is about giving students relevant and meaningful experience in the world of work. I wish Sarah well at the UK Final and of course, in her future career."

Robin Larcombe, technical advisor at Bikekpod Ltd, said: "We are simply delighted, firstly with what Sarah has achieved over the summer and secondly by her reaching the next stage of the competition.

"This is the first year we have taken part and we would definitely recommend it to other companies."

Sarah was supported by Workers Educational Association Scotland, which picked up the Shell Step Scottish Agency of the Year Award.