EY reveals its winning entrepreneurs
TWO ONLINE business pioneers were among the winners at the North of England EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
James Wilkinson of Zuto, formerly (CarLoan4U), Simon Cooper of low cost holiday firm On the Beach were honoured at the ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday night.
Macclesfield-headquartered Zuto’s chief executive Wilkinson triumphed in the science and technology category.
The judges praised him for spotting an opportunity and taking his customers on an ‘easy journey’. They also commended Zuto for its ‘disruptive technology’, which has helped the vehicle finance specialist to grow 100% year-on-year for the last three years.
Simon Cooper won the private equity-backed category for his work as chief executive of Cheadle-based On the Beach. The judges highlighted his ‘passion and understanding’ of the business, noting that the online travel firm is ‘breaking into Europe’ and has the potential to turnover £1bn ‘in the next few years’.
Solidor Group, a Stoke-on-Trent-based business backed by Manchester-based private equity firm NorthEdge Capital was also recognised as its chief executive Gareth Mobley won the manufacturing award.
Peter Roberts, founder and executive chairman of Leeds-headquartered Pure Gym, was named overall North of England EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015.
Roberts, who also took home the Hospitality and Leisure award, was praised by the judges for taking a traditional model and ‘turning it upside down’, with his ‘clear strategy’ helping Pure Gym to become ‘the number one player’ by membership in the UK gym market.
In accepting his award, Roberts called on business leaders to do to support and inspire young people through schemes such as the Prince’s Trust.
Robert Crooks, partner and North of England Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader at EY, said: “It’s outstanding to see the North West well represented again at this year’s Northern awards. The region’s winning companies have been innovative and bold in capitalising on new opportunities as they’ve arisen. They’ve helped to generate wealth and jobs, making a real economic and social impact in the North West.”
Held at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester and hosted by BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern, the awards dinner honoured nine business leaders across 10 categories. Together the shortlisted businesses employ 20,000 people and have annual sales of £2.5bn.
Each of the winners was judged and selected from finalists leading 36 companies from across the North West, Yorkshire and North East. All of the North of England winners will go on to represent the region at the UK finals in October 2015.
