Accolades for entrepreneurs with the big ideas

The Big Four accountancy firm named Fred Done, chief executive of Betfred, as the North of England’s Entrepreneur Of The Year at a glittering ceremony at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

Judges described Fred as an “inspirational and outstanding entrepreneur” who has grown Betfred from a single betting shop in 1967 to a £4bn-turnover group with 1,350 shops and 11,000 employees.

Stuart Watson, of Ernst & Young, said: “He has made sacrifices and taken risks to build a business, which has gone from strength to strength and is now an instantly recognisable brand nationwide.”

Mr Spinks, managing director of Leeds-based luxury bed and mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks, was praised for both his entrepreneurial flair and inventive streak. He was commended for designing and creating a new spring-within-a-spring system, which he has successfully sold into other markets including automotive, footwear and furniture.

John Walsh, managing director of Leeds-based Abraham Moon & Sons, was described as “a man with big ideas and big ambitions”.

In 2005, Moon was the last remaining vertical woollen mill and in decline.

He led the turnaround and transformed the business into an international success story with exports to countries like Japan and China now accounting for 70 per cent of sales. Customers include Ralph Lauren.

Mr Watson, who is based in Leeds, said: “The remarkable entrepreneurs in this room have combined revenues of £6bn.

“They will drive growth and lead our economic recovery.”

Ernst & Young shortlisted 17 entrepreneurs from Yorkshire in the awards, who competed against 38 others from the North.

As winner, Mr Done goes forward to the national final.