Yorkshire finalists unveiled for EY entrepreneur celebration

Representing a range of sectors, these entrepreneurs will be joined by 19 other leaders from across the North of England at a regional awards event to be held on June 20.

The seven finalists by category are:

- Debbie Bestwick, of Wakefield video game maker Team 17 Digital in the Disrupter category

- Richard Butterfield, of Huddersfield brand experts Principle Holdings in the International category

- Jeremy Lebine of Chesterfield’s automotive retailers Evolution Funding in the Master category

- Jamie Conway, of Made in Leeds Television in the Rising Star category

- Mark Calvert of Harrogate’s emergency response firm Adler & Allan in the Scale Up category

- Daniel Fairburn of Fairburn & Son in Lincolnshire, also in the Scale Up category and

- Diane Walker of food manufacturing giant Karro Food Group near Malton in the Transformational Leader category.

Alastair Nuttall, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year leader in Yorkshire, said: “The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme brings together the UK’s most innovative and forward thinking business leaders at events held up and down the country every year, where they can share knowledge and ideas, debate the challenges of the day, and form lasting contacts and even working partnerships.

“It serves to support the enviable entrepreneurial community we have in the UK and celebrate the contribution that it makes to the economy, creating wealth and jobs.”

Now in its 31st year globally and 19th year in the UK, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises the spirit and contribution of exceptional entrepreneurs, running in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries worldwide.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year North of England judging panel will be chaired by Marnie Millard, chief executive of Nichols.

Last year Matt Turner of Huddersfield-based Tastecard was announced as the Northern winner.