Ashton Sixth Form Student Wins Prestigious Tameside Business Award

Ashton Sixth Form College is proud to celebrate the success of Ellis Detheridge, a current A2 student, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Tameside Business Awards last night. 

Studying Business, Law, and Public Services, Ellis is already putting his knowledge into action with his thriving mobile valeting and detailing business, DET Details. What began as a side hustle has quickly grown into a standout success story, earning Ellis hundreds of five star reviews, a loyal client base, and now, a prestigious local award. 

Ellis made the bold decision to leave his part time job to focus fully on building DET Details, and it’s a decision that has clearly paid off. Today, he services 15 to 20 vehicles a week across Tameside, Oldham, and surrounding areas. To meet growing demand, he has even expanded his team, hiring two employees, including his best friend. 

Alongside running a business and completing his studies, Ellis has taken part in the college’s new ‘Be Your Own Boss’ enrichment programme, designed to support young entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on his journey, Ellis said: 
“College has been a massive help in supporting me with marketing and giving me the knowledge I needed about being my own boss. The advice and encouragement around self-employment and entrepreneurship made a real difference, and it’s been reassuring to know that this path is taken seriously. That support has definitely helped me achieve recent success, including winning Youngest Business Person of the Year at the business awards. Thank you!” 

Ellis’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched by his commitment to the local community, having supported events like the Grotton charity fundraiser. The award recognises his outstanding dedication, rapid business growth, and contribution to the local economy, all while balancing the demands of full-time study. It’s a remarkable achievement that highlights not only Ellis’s talent and work ethic, but also his potential as one of the region’s rising young entrepreneurs. 

Tony Payne, Careers Lead and Employability Manager at Ashton Sixth Form College, commented: 
“We are incredibly proud of Ellis for being named Entrepreneur of the Year. His achievement is a testament to the talent, ambition, and determination we aim to nurture in all our students. Ellis’s success is an inspiring example of where hard work and creativity can lead and a reminder to our current learners that anything is possible.” 

We look forward to seeing what’s next for Ellis and DET Details, and we’re confident this is only the beginning.