NW’s magnificent seven strike gold at E&Y awards
SEVEN of the region’s top business leaders from across a wide range of sectors were honoured last night at the prestigious annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
The North West accounted for half of the winners for the North and Midlands at the awards dinner at the Lowry Hotel hosted by TV and radio personality Jeremy Vine.
Although the top award went to North East-based Peter Stephenson of demolition and land remediation firm Able UK, the seven North West winners will all go through to the national finals in London later this year.
The winners were: Young Entrepreneur Of The Year – Oliver Cookson. Mr Cookson launched Cend Ltd, which trades as Myprotein.co.uk, the country’s biggest online protein brand, with a £500 overdraft in 2004.
He was praised by the judges for his “drive, determination and great entrepreneurial spirit.” He said: “This has been the best thing I’ve done in my life. I am truly honoured.”
Dr Michael Edelman, chief executive of high-tech listed Manchester firm Nanoco Group was a winner in the Commercialisation of IP category. The judges commended Dr Edelman’s “clear vision to create a multi-million pound business” and found his “clear focus on delivery” and the specialist skills of his team particularly impressive.
He said he was surprised and delighted at winning the award, which he dedicated to his wife. Internet pioneer Richard Tang of Rochdale company Zen Internet won Customer Service entrepreneur category. Although not present to collect his award, Mr Tang was praised for investing in his people as much as his product, and “believes in and wants to serve his customers and his community.”
Manufacturing Entrepreneur Of The Year was awarded to veteran engineer Michael Oliver founder of Knutsford company Oliver Valves. His “first-class business, built from scratch, debt-free and independent of the banks with a clear focus on values” impressed the judges as, “truly world-class. A quality manufacturing business with global reach.” He said: “I am really pleased – this is about the first thing I’ve ever won in my life.”
Business Products and Services Entrepreneur Of The Year went to Martin Jones, of PH Jones of Malpas, Cheshire. For growing an exceptional business based on commitment to customer service, the judges were highly impressed by Mr Jones’ dedication to customer service and his focus on corporate social responsibility, people and communication.
Turnaround Entrepreneur Of The Year was awarded to Michael Fort of Chorley-based Synexus Clinical Research. Judges said: “Michael has demonstrated clear leadership and vision” and developed a highly successful business model in a tough sector.” He said: “I’m gob-smacked, and I dedicate this to my team, who can’t be here as they’re all working.”
Science, Technology and Communications Entrepreneur Of The Year was won by Elfed Thomas, i3 Group, based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside. Mr Thomas was described as a “true visionary” and “a charismatic individual who took huge personal risks to fulfil his vision.”
Simon Allport of senior partner in the North West at Ernst & Young said: “Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving the UK’s economic recovery by creating wealth and employment. Their optimism, ability to spot opportunities and sheer hard work continues to drive positive change and inspire others.”
