Midlands entrepreneurs lead the way at EY awards
FOUR Midlands businessmen have won accolades in the UK finals of accountancy and advisory firm EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Mark Payton of Mercia Technologies, Jim McCarthy of Poundland Group, Mark Egerton of Quotient Clinical and Gareth Mobley of DW3 Products Group all received awards at the ceremony in London last night.
Healthcare innovator Richard Steeves, founder & CEO of Swindon-based Synergy Health, was crowned EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 UK overall winner.
Payton of specialist investment firm Henley-in-Arden-based Mercia Technologies was described by the judges as a ‘natural entrepreneur’, ‘charismatic, tenacious and with a unique approach to business’ .
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Poundland’s Jim McCarthy was described by judges as ‘an inspirational leader with infectious enthusiasm’ and an impressive career that extends to over 40 years’ experience in retail.
He was recognised for turning the Willenhall-based discount retailer’s business around by building a compelling growth strategy, returning it to profit and taking it international.
Speaking at last night’s ceremony, he said: “This is not about me, but about the company I represent.
“I am incredibly proud of my team. We are now building a team to take the business forward over the next ten years, which is what we have to do to succeed.”
Mark Egerton of Nottingham-based pharmaceuticals firm Quotient Clinical impressed the judges with his impressive personal journey from biochemist to successful entrepreneur.
Stoke-on-Trent-based manufacturing group DW3 Products’ Gareth Mobley was praised for his ‘determination to be both disruptive and innovative’ as well as supporting local charities and being a strong advocate for UK manufacturing. The judges recognised his ‘well-articulated, long-term strategy for growth’.
Adrian Roberts, partner and Midlands Entrepreneur Of The Year leader at EY, said: “This is a strong year for the Midlands and serves to demonstrate that dynamic and fast growing companies – and the people behind them – are vital to the region’s national and global competitiveness, and these awards rightly recognise their success.
“All of our winners, and indeed our finalists, demonstrate the attributes that are required to build successful businesses while driving job growth and, in turn, the recovery of the UK and Midlands’ economies.”
