Nanoco chief wins E&Y title
THE chief executive of Nanoco, the pioneering Manchester nanotechnology firm, was named as an entrepreneur of the year by the accountancy firm Ernst & Young.
Dr Michael Edelman won the UK Cleantech Entrepreneur of the Year accolade at a ceremony in London last night in recognition of his technological achievements at the company.
AIM-listed Nanoco, a University of Manchester spin-out, manufactures quantum dots – tiny fluorescent particles of semiconductor material which have the ability to emit light.
The dots can be used in flat screen TVs and mobile displays and are in demand because they reduce power consumption.
Simon Allport, senior partner at Ernst & Young in Manchester, said: “The judges were impressed by Michael’s intelligent strategic approach, coupled with the drive and dedication of a true entrepreneur.
“These qualities have helped to build a promising company which has immense scalability and could be on the cusp of something huge. Michael is a highly focused business leader who combines entrepreneurial flair with commercial discipline. His relentless energy, combined with his ability to identify and recruit key team members, has enabled him to sign strategic contracts in Japan with global organisations.”
Ayman Asfari, group chief executive, of oil and gas company Petrofac, was named Ernst & Young UK Overall Entrepreneur Of The Year while the UK Social Entrepreneur Of The Year title went to Sophi Tranchell of Divine Chocolate. Julian Dunkerton, founder of clothing chain SuperGroup, picked up UK Retail Entrepreneur Of The Year.
