Entrepreneurs are the warriors and rock stars of the business world

Paul Sewell, managing director of Sewell Group, said entrepreneurs are driven by achievement and not put off by failure.

The Hull-based company is sponsoring the entrepreneur category at The Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards this year.

Mr Sewell believes the company has bagged the best category at the awards.

He said: “Business begins with entrepreneurs. They are the ‘warriors and rock stars’ of the business world, who need recognising, appreciating and encouraging, big style.”

Mr Sewell is a founding member of Hull community interest company For Entrepreneurs Only and an entrepreneur himself. He believes that corporate organisations are beginning to realise the benefits of an entrepreneurial approach.

He said: “These days, it’s drilled into too many people that they should plan and over plan first if they are to succeed. They set about doing these big strategies and plans and everything, but that’s not the way to compete in business.

“At Sewell we believe in the entrepreneurial approach of being agile, light on our feet and quick to respond to our customers’ changing needs.

“Even the mature, corporate organisations are realising they must discover this type of approach and nurture staff with an entrepreneurial spirit if they are to compete.

“Entrepreneurs are driven by achievement and not put off by failure, they have a ‘can do’ attitude and are determined to stay one step ahead.

“That’s why for me, this is a premier award.

“I’m hoping to see some innovation and creativity in this category.

“The best and brightest across the region who have spotted limitations and acted quickly to create an opportunity.”

The Excellence in Business Awards celebrate companies of all shapes and sizes, as well as honouring outstanding individuals from the business world. This year’s event will be bigger than ever. There are a total of 14 categories for businesses and individuals to choose from and they can enter more than one award.

The entrepreneur award honours a rare individual who inspires others to greatness and isn’t afraid of taking risks in the pursuit of reward. It will celebrate leaders in their field, who are also respected by their community.

There are a host of other award categories including Young Business, which is being sponsored by Plusnet.

The Yorkshire-based broadband provider is a former Excellence in Business Awards winner itself.

Andy Baker, CEO of Plusnet, said: “It’s people who are starting, supporting, and working within small businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy.

“We want to support and give back to the business community in Yorkshire and share our knowledge.

“This is our way of recognising and celebrating those small businesses who have big ambitions. We can’t wait to see the entries and all the interesting and exciting things they’re up to.”

This year’s awards will feature Greg Hands, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, as the special guest speaker. He will join illustrious company, in doing so, as previous speakers have included David Cameron, William Hague, George Osborne, Nick Clegg, Sir Vince Cable, Iain Duncan Smith and Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York.

The closing date for this year’s entries is Tuesday, May 17. The awards dinner will be held on November 4 in Leeds. To enter, visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/ awards