Zuto’s Wilkinson drives away with EY award

THE co-founder of high-growth car finance broker Zuto was one of the winners at the 2015 national finals of the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

James Wilkinson, chief executive of the Macclesfield and Manchester-based company, was praised by judges for the way he had steered Zuto’s rapid rise over the last four years, where revenues have increased by 100% every year and now top £20m.

Wilkinson, who launched the company in 2006 as CarLoan 4U until a major rebrand earlier this year, was honoured for “making the most of exciting and innovative technology”, while the judges also admired his recognition for the need to “build a strong team” and “a compelling structure” around him to help the business succeed.

He told TheBusinessDesk he was thrilled to have won, and said he was focused on continuing to grow Zuto, which he said is committed to making the experience of buying and funding a used car better for customers.

He said: “When we launched in 2006 we wanted to build an experience around our customers that would show them a better way to buy a car. This passion has driven the business from day one and continues to be key to Zuto’s continued success.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible team around me, and I would like to share this award and recognition from the judges with each of them for all of their hard work in helping turn our vision into reality.” 

Also among the 13 winners at the event in London, was Gareth Mobley, whose Stoke-on Trent-based home improvements business, DW3 Products,  is backed by Manchester private equity firm NorthEdge Capital.

Mobley earned praised for his “determination to be both disruptive and innovative”.  DW3 Products Group is a manufacturer of high-quality, energy-efficient composite doors for the home improvement market.

Mobley paid tribute to his team, his investors and British manufacturing. He described Stoke as “the gateway to the Northern Powerhouse”.

More than 450 people attended the event which was hosted by broadcaster and and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jeremy Vine. The overall UK title was won by healthcare innovator Richard Steeves, founder and chief executive of Synergy Health.

Steeves will go on to represent the UK at EY’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monaco next summer to compete with more than 60 other country winners for the global title.

Establishing Synergy in Swindon in 1991,  Steeves identified a gap in the market and introduced surgical packs to reduce the rate of HIV infection in operating theatres. The company now processes more than 150m reusable medical and surgical instruments a year and makes daily deliveries of sterile reusable gowns, towels and set up packs.

Robert Crooks, partner and North West Entrepreneur Of The Year programme eader at EY, said: “James and Gareth’s strong leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial mind-sets have helped their companies to grow rapidly, and they have now been recognised amongst the UK’s leading entrepreneurs.

“Gareth and James reflect the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in the North West and it is great to see the region represented with two winners. Under their leadership, Zuto and DW3 Products Group will continue to generate wealth and jobs, and make an even greater economic impact in the North West over the coming years.”

Now in its 17th year in the UK, EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year brings together dynamic business leaders of fast growth companies who are creating growth, confidence and generating positive impact in their markets.

Winners were selected by an independent judging panel which included Sir Michael Bibby, managing director at Liverpool-based Bibby Line Group. The 35 companies represented at the final have combined revenues of over £3.5bn and employ more than 300,000 people.

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