Yorkshire business leaders ranked in Maserati 100

TWO top Yorkshire-based mentors and advisors have been ranked on the Maserati 100.

In collaboration with the Centre for Entrepreneurs, the Maserati 100 aims to highlight the successes of philanthropists, investors, mentors and up-and-comers who will be contributing to UK plc this year.

The rankings contain predominantly London and South East-based entrepreneurs and advisors, but this year, two prominent Yorkshire business leaders have also been listed.

Colin Glass has been highlighted in the mentor/advisor category. He is a chartered accountant and a senior partner at WGN Chartered Accountants, which he founded with two partners in 1975.

Mr Glass has been involved in developing many businesses, with a special focus on startups and SME’s. Maserati said his “wise and thoughtful advice has helped many newly established and growing businesses to succeed…He is generous with his time and knowledge.”

He was one of the founders of TheBusinessDesk.com, and most recently has been appointed to the board of British Business Bank.

Mr Glass spoke to TheBusinessDesk.com. He said: “I am passionately interested in helping small businesses and startups which I have been doing for 40 years. Getting involved with the British Business Bank initiatives to help SMEs is really in my neck of the woods. It was an ideal opportunity to get involved.

“Now the Bank has started the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, which is getting off the ground in the next few months, providing funding for SMEs across the North through its Partners.”

The second Yorkshire representative to be listed is Steve Wainwright, also under the mentor and advisor category.

He was a trainee accountant at Revell Ward in Huddersfield, before climbing the ladder to become chief executive of Birstall-based ICM Computer Group.

He has also launched Profiled.com, a website that he expanded into 63 countries helping people in business counter any inaccurate personal information about them that may appear on the internet.

Mr Wainwright sold the business in 2014 and now advises many startups. He said: “I’m just honoured to be in such amazing company!”