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Company chiefs in running for coveted entrepreneurs award
ELEVEN Yorkshire business leaders are in contention for one of the UK's most prestigious awards for entrepreneurs.
Senior figures from set top box maker Pace, greeting cards retailer Sportswift and energy sports drink producer Boost Drinks are among 43 business leaders competing for the Ernst & Young North & Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year title. The winners will be announced in June.
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award was established in the 1980s, to honour business people who are bringing jobs and investment to their region.
This year's finalists will be hoping to emulate the success of York-based Richard Harpin, the chief executive of HomeServe, which specialises in offering home emergency insurance cover across the UK.
Mr Harpin was named Ernst & Young's UK Overall Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008.
In May, Mr Harpin will find out if he has been voted World Entrepreneur of the Year at an awards ceremony in Monte Carlo, with more than 40 other finalists.
He joins the UK Entrepreneur of the Year hall of fame which includes: Lord Harris of Carpetright (2007); Tim Richards of Vue Cinemas (2006); Peter Cullum of Towergate Underwriting Group Ltd (2005); and Bill Gammell of Cairn Energy (2004).
Stuart Watson, partner at Ernst & Young in Leeds, said: "The finalists are fine examples of businesses that are picking up market share and succeeding despite economic adversity. They range from large PLCs such as Pace which are demonstrating dynamic entrepreneurial leadership on a global scale, through to specialist businesses that are biting at the heels of bigger competitors such as Boost Drinks– the energy drinks manufacturer.
"We have been greatly impressed by how swiftly the finalists have responded to the rapidly-changing market.
"These entrepreneurs are making quick decisions to respond to market conditions such as, clamping down on cash flow where business is slow and taking advantage of the opportunities that turbulent times present.
"For policy makers, encouraging our entrepreneurs to drive innovative new businesses forward will be the key to boosting the economy. It has never been more important to recognise the achievements of our entrepreneurial community in Yorkshire."
A recent survey of nearly 200 former Entrepreneur of the Year entrants across Europe, conducted by Ernst & Young, revealed that despite the recession they are relatively optimistic about business opportunities.
More than 80 per cent of the entrepreneurs believed there were opportunities to be exploited in the next 12 months and only 16 per cent were concerned about whether they will survive.
When asked about their areas of focus in the next 12 months, 48 per cent said they were planning to expand into new geographical markets and 47 per cent planned to diversify their business or develop new product lines. Two thirds have increased their focus on new market opportunities.
Mr Watson added: "While focusing on their current performance is still important to entrepreneurs, it is embedded in their business DNA to constantly look for new opportunities and new markets."
The North & Midlands independent judging panel will be led by Les Tench, non-executive chairman of Sheffield-based insulation firm SIG, the international supplier to the construction, building and industrial markets. Other judges include: Ian Butcher, non-executive director of Redhall Group ; Michael Humphrey, chief executive of Croda International; Sir Mike Darrington, non executive director of Greggs; John Brown, non executive chairman of Norcros; Carl Wormald, director at Lloyds TSB Development Capital; Matthew Riley, chief executive of Daisy Communications and former Entrepreneur Of The Year winner; Vanda Murray, deputy Chairman of NWDA and non-executive director of Carillion.
The contenders at a glance
The full list of Yorkshire finalists in the Ernst & Young North & Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year title:
Simon Gray, managing director of Boost Drinks, based in Leeds, an energy sports drinks producer and distributor.
John Peters and Martin Fojt, chief executive and chairman of Emerald Group Publishing based in Bingley, publishing house
Paul Crossley, managing director of Just Trays based in Leeds, shower tray manufacturer.
Graham Tattersall and Wayne Earnshaw, joint managing directors of Lanes Group based in Leeds, drainage services.
Neil Gaydon, chief executive of Pace, based in Saltaire, developer of digital television technologies for the global pay TV industry.
Michael Purtill, managing director of QHotels based in Leeds, hotel chain.
Howard Rogers, managing director of Redworth Construction based in Norton, North Yorkshire, development and construction of residential and specialist care homes
Dean Hoyle, chairman of Sportswift (trading as the Card Factory) based in Wakefield, retailer of greetings cards
Jason Schofield, managing director of Squirrel Storage, based in Leeds, storage facilities.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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