EY announced regional finalists for its Entrepreneur Of The Year UK

EY has announced the regional finalists for its Entrepreneur Of The Year UK programme, including 27 entrepreneurs from 22 London and South East-based businesses.

The finalists have been selected from a range of different sectors, including: professional services, technology, manufacturing, consumer, and health sciences, highlighting the strength and depth of entrepreneurship and industry across London and the South East of England.

The programme celebrates ‘unstoppable entrepreneurs’ from across the country. The finalists represent some of the most inspiring business leaders in the region and the UK, who are making a positive impact on the economy. In the face of the continued challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, they have displayed remarkable resilience and innovative spirit.

The South East finalists are:

• Will Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton Bicycle, Middlesex – a specialist in the design, manufacture and distribution of folding bicycles;

• Tarquin Scadding-Hunt, CEO of mdgroup, Bracknell – mdgroup facilitate clinical trial participation for patients in their own homes, support them to travel safely to and from study sites and use technology to manage everything from expense reimbursements to telehealth;
• Patrick O'Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams, Farnborough – a world-leading #VR game developer and publisher, combining innovation with excellence to develop and publish games with some of the world’s biggest gaming and entertainment partners across all leading VR headsets;
• Paul Newman, founder and CTO of Oxbotica, Oxford – an autonomous vehicle software company, enabling vehicles to robustly navigate, understand and act in any environment;
• David Richards, chairman of Prodrive Group, Banbury – a world leading motorsport and advanced technology business, supporting businesses in the automotive, aerospace, marine sectors – creating innovative engineering solutions;

Chris Lowe, London and South co-partner sponsor, Entrepreneur of the Year, said: “It’s great to see the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial talent showcased through this year’s Entrepreneur Of The Year programme.

“Technology plays a key part in the success of the South East economy. This year’s regional finalists have innovation at the very heart of their business development and strategy. They have all demonstrated acute commercial awareness and a desire to growth their business, despite the challenges they have faced over the past 12 months. I’d like to congratulate them on being short-listed.

“Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises individuals who have been through the ups and downs of owning and building a successful company. It is the contributions of these individuals and their businesses that are making a huge impact on the local, regional and in many cases, the national economy – creating jobs, building confidence and inspiring others.”

Lynn Rattigan, EY’s chief operating officer for the UK & Ireland and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK partner sponsor, said: “This year’s finalists are truly inspirational. At a time when many businesses have had to rapidly respond to the challenges posed by the pandemic, these entrepreneurs have shown they can innovate and adapt while also creating long-term value for their clients and broader stakeholders. I’m delighted to welcome this year’s regional finalists to our entrepreneurial community and look forward to seeing their continued success.”

Lowe added: “We know that entrepreneurs will be at the heart of the UK’s post-Covid-19 economic recovery, delivering the innovation and growth we need. The regional finalists are proof of how entrepreneurs have been unstoppable in the face of adversity over the past year, continuing to display incredible ambition to make a difference and solve some of our biggest challenges. Never before has it been so important to recognise and celebrate their achievements.”

David Durlacher, CEO, Julius Baer International Limited, the Entrepreneur Of The Year UK, headline sponsor said: “Meeting the applicants  for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK programme over the past few weeks has been truly inspiring – the strength of entrepreneurism across the UK is simply outstanding, particularly given the difficulties faced over the past 18 months from the pandemic. A huge congratulations to those who have made it through to be finalists – no easy feat amongst such tough competition.”

Four regional judging panels will convene virtually in June to select the regional winners. These entrepreneurs will then progress to represent their region at UK judging in October and the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK overall winner will be announced in November. The overall UK winner will then go on to represent the UK at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2022, which recognises inspiring entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries.

The full list of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021 regional finalists by region is available here.

For more stories about companies in the South East follow the link.