Business leaders shortlisted for EY entrepreneur award

James Parker, owner and chief executive of Leeds-based Gym King, and Steve Parkin, chief executive of Wetherby-based Moores Furniture Group, made the shortlist with four other businesses from across the North.

Victoria Price, partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year leader in the North, said: “This year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme recognises the achievements of six of some of the best businesses from across Yorkshire and the North West, all helping to grow the North’s economy.”

She added: “Entrepreneurs are facing one of the most challenging environments’ we’ve seen and so I continue to be impressed by their relentless determination and resilience in an uncertain climate.

“The calibre of all our northern applicants has been truly inspiring.

While some of our finalists have had to navigate a very turbulent year, some have been able to seize unexpected opportunities to accelerate growth.”

The regional finalists make up the 25 UK business finalists who will progress to the UK judging and final, vying for the title EY UK Entrepreneur Of The Year.

The overall winner will then represent the UK at the ‘EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year’ in summer 2021.

The global event attracts inspiring entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries around the world.