Entries sought for 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year awards
NOMINATIONS are now open for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
North West business leaders, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, drive and entrepreneurial flair while growing or turning around the fortunes of their organisations in the UK or overseas are being sought.
Last year’s winners included Fred Done of Betfred, who was named UK Master Entrepreneur Of The Year 2012 after winning the Overall North Entrepreneur Of The Year title.
The judges described Fred as the ‘personification of entrepreneurship, innovation and sustained success’.
Simon Allport, Ernst & Young North West senior partner, said: “The North West had stand out success in the awards programme in 2012. Three out of the 11 UK awards went to North West-based business leaders. They competed against 148 of the UK’s brightest and best business leaders that entered the competition in January last year.”
Other North West winners included Bury-based Peter Schofield from Tetrosyl Group, and Ian Kelly from Matrix (Green Sky Energy).
Entries are now open until 8th March 2013, with finalists announced in April. Regional winners will be named at a dinner in Manchester on 25 June, who will then compete at the UK finals in October.
Steve Varley Ernst & Young UK & Ireland Chairman and Managing Partner said: “I believe the best way out of the recession and key to the UK’s long term economic strength is business-led growth.
“Entrepreneurs create many of the UK’s most dynamic and successful companies. We are passionate about helping such high potential businesses grow their operations, both in the UK and overseas. Last year the regional finalists in the programme had combined revenues of £18bn and created jobs for over 60,000 people.”
The most prestigious business award globally, the awards programme connects chief executives from 140 cities in 50 countries.
Former North West winners in previous years have included: Matthew Riley, of Daisy Group Plc, who grilled candidates in last year’s The Apprentice; Steve Oliver and Walter Gleeson of MusicMagpie; Michael Oliver of Oliver Valves; and Lawrence Jones of UKFast.
Ian Kelly from Matrix said entering the awards had benefited him and his business: “The Entrepreneur Of The Year programme allows you to meaningfully discuss your experiences and more importantly sense-check your thinking in a unique and external way with a panel of judges and fellow entrepreneurs that have differing value added perspectives and experiences.
“Taking part in a process like Entrepreneur Of The Year genuinely adds value to your thinking, behaviour and sense checks your business strategy.”
