A internet entrepreneur from Corby who runs a global website aged just 15 has been rewarded for his business acumen with a national accolade.

Christian Owens set up his first website three years ago and now has a business offering pay-per-click advertising in 86 countries.

He employs four people around the world and it is believed his website
is the 86th largest internet property in in the globe.

He was named winner of the teen category at the Enterprising Young Brit Awards, beating four other finalists to win £1,000 and a trophy.

The Brooke Weston Academy student and former Danesholme School pupil pitched his ideas to a panel of judges including director general of the Institute of Directors Miles Templeman and Penny Newman, chief executive of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Foundation.

His business Branchr, was set up using pocket money with the idea of
making online advertising accessible to all. Now it is used by brands such as William Hill and MySpace.

Christian, who lives in Briery Close, Great Oakley, said: “I taught myself basic web design and it was something I really enjoyed so when I was about 12 I started my first software promotion company.

“Then I started Branchr which connects people who want to advertise online with people who want to make money from their website.”

Even Christian was shocked to learn his website was being used in 86 countries. He said: “We went to a statistics company who told us we were the 86th largest web property in the world.

“We employ five people now including me, two in San Francisco, one in Boston and another in France.”

Christian runs his website in the evenings and weekends. He will take 16 GCSEs this summer and is considering delaying going to sixth form so he can run his business full-time.

His mum Alison, 44, is a secretary and dad Julian, 50, is a factory worker.He said: “I don’t think they really understand the ins and outs of the business but they are supportive.

“I would say I’m richer than most 15-year-olds but it’s not really about the money.