East Midlands business leaders up for EY crown

Leaders from East Midlands-based companies have been named in the Midlands final of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards, to be held Tuesday 14 June at Birmingham Council House.

This year’s East Midlands representatives are David Ball of Bridge Farm Group, Simon Fishel of Care Fertility Holdings, Matthew Hayes of Champions, Geoff Love of Esendex, Parvin Majithia of MPK Garages, Alan Hardy of Paragon Interiors, Shalin Mehra of Rodericks Dental, Paul Lalli of Solid Systems Global, Marc Wileman of Sublime Science and Andrew Wilson and Carolyne Vale of Wilson Vale.

Chairing the Midlands judging panel for the first time is Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham Kb, international businessman and active cross bench peer in the House of Lords. Joining him on the 12-strong panel are other well-known Midlands business leaders, along with previous Entrepreneur Of The Year winners: Jim McCarthy of Poundland and Simon Ward of Inspired Thinking Group.

Andrew Spence, Midlands Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader at EY, said: “These dynamic, fast growing companies – and the people behind them – are vital to the Midlands’ national and global competitiveness, and these awards rightly recognise their success. Investment in technology and innovation, domestic and international expansion are just some of the ways these entrepreneurs are growing their businesses and positioning themselves for further growth over the years ahead.

“This year’s panel of judges reflects the strength and diversity of the entrepreneurs and business leaders we have in the Midlands, and we’re delighted to welcome Lord Digby Jones as Chair of our 2016 judging panel.”