Night of glory for entrepreneurs
FOUR North West businessmen, including brothers Danny and Mark Schweiger who run textile group Character World, were among the winners at last night’s prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Although the overall title for the North and Midlands went to a Yorkshire businessman, Dean Hoyle, there was plenty to celebrate as the Schweigers were joined by care homes boss Alan Firth of Meridian Healthcare and Nick Snelson, of print management group Allied Publicity Services, on the winners’ podium.
The event, at Urbis in Manchester, was hosted by former politician David Mellor, and was also addressed by leading North West businessman Martin Ainscough, who after selling the family crane hire business two years ago, is now raising money for the Prince’s Trust.
The Schweiger brothers run Cheadle-based Character World, which grew sales 30% last year to £21.5m.The pair lead a £20m management buyout last year.
The company, which has more than 50 staff, supplies towels, bedding and curtains, featuring the likes of The Simpsons, Spiderman and Thomas the Tank Engine.
Judges said: “Excellent products and product engineering in a market they have opened up for bedroom accessories. An excellent performance in a competitive market.”
Another winner was Nick Snelson, managing director of Stockport-based APS, which employs 300 people at 12 offices nationwide.
The company has transformed itself from being a printing business to offering environmentally-friendly print management services.
The judges said: “Nick has used technology and product innovation to create individuality for customers and in turn grown market share. It is a sustainable solid business model with very strong balance sheet.”
Mr Snelson was entertaining customers and was unable to attend the event, but his award was collected by chairman Glynn Jones.
The region’s other winner was Alan Firth, executive chairman of Meridian Healthcare.
Mr Firth, who runs the business with his wife Susan, has built the company up after leading a buyout from local authority ownership. The Hyde-based firm now operates 28 care homes, with 1,338 beds and employing 1,200 people.
Judges said: “Alan’s passion for providing the right care shone through. A sustainable well run business providing excellent service.”
Mr Firth dedicated the award to his staff, adding: “Looking after elderly people isn’t particularly sexy. It’s a tough job and one that’s even more tough in the current regulatory climate.
“This award is for everyone who helps me run the business.”
Simon Allport, Manchester senior partner at Ernst & Young, said: “Entrepreneurs achieve great things and are real drivers of the global economy. Their vision, leadership, determination and sheer hard work are an inspiration to us all.
“In turbulent times where some businesses see hurdles, entrepreneurs identify and act on opportunities that the market presents.”
The North and Midlands judging panel included: Vanda Murray, deputy chairman of the Northwest Regioanl Development Agency; former Speedy Hire boss John Brown; Carl Wormald, director at Lloyds TSB Development Capital and award-winning entrepreneur Matt Riley, chief executive of Daisy Communications.
The winners will now represent the region in the national finals in October, where 53 top bosses, the cream of the UK’s enterprise talent, will compete for the title Ernst & Young Overall UK Entrepreneur Of The Year.
The UK winner will go out to Monte Carlo next May to compete for the title of World Entrepreneur Of The Year
