South: Entrepreneurs create 32,000 jobs and turn over £2.8 billion

With a combined workforce of over 32,000 and turnover of over £2.8 billion, some of the most inspiring businesses in the London and south region have been shortlisted in EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year programme for 2015.

Thirty five businesses from a range of sectors including life sciences; hospitality and leisure; healthcare; and technology and retail; made the shortlist and will compete at the London & South final on June 18.

Winners from across Scotland, the north, Midlands, London and the south regions will progress to the UK finals in October, where they will vie for the title of EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 and a chance to represent their country at a global awards ceremony in Monte Carlo in 2016.

The judging panel, led by JustGiving chairman Jonathan McKay, will make its decision based on a number of criteria, including entrepreneurial spirit; innovation; strategic direction; financial performance; national and global impact; and the companies’ approach to social responsibility.

Dave Hales, Entrepreneur of the Year partner for London and the south, said: “Our 2015 finalists demonstrate the quality of UK business, which builds confidence and strength in the economy. The leaders of these businesses are inspiring individuals who are creating wealth and jobs through innovation, while acting as role models and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.

“Entrepreneur of the Year is more than an awards programme; it provides a forum for the brightest business brains to connect and share ideas. Year after year the programme continues to draw out companies that are challenging the norm, often operating under the radar. I look forward to celebrating their achievements with them.”

Stuart Watson, UK Entrepreneur of the Year leader, said: “We need entrepreneurs now more than ever. They have been achieving success and defying the odds in times of change and upheaval, recognising opportunities to act quickly and decisively to gain market share and traction for their ideas and innovation.

“Now in its 17th year in the UK, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year brings together dynamic business leaders of fast-growth companies who are creating growth, confidence at pace and generating positive impact in their markets at home and abroad.”

Finalists of the London & South 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year (in the Thames Valley and South Coast regions):

Colin Batt, Dave Floyd, Richard Wharton – Bullitt Group – international mobile phone and consumer electronics business: designs, manufactures markets and sells consumer electronic devices in partnership with global brands – based in Reading.

Adam Mumford, Mark Owen and Jarl Servern – Owen Mumford – designs and manufactures a range of medical devices and disposables for healthcare professionals and consumers worldwide – based in Oxford.

Mark Lancaster – SDL – the leader in global customer experience, offering a completely integrated cloud solution for content – based in Maidenhead.

Mark Smith – The Car Finance Company – provides car finance facilities to consumers and small businesses – based in Portsmouth.

Dilshad Hothi and Barinder Hothi – The Knowledge Academy – provides business and IT training to individuals and businesses – based in Bracknell, Berkshire.

Ross Snape – United Asphalt – produce high-quality asphalt, macadam and specialist surfacing products for a wide variety of end uses – based in Theale, Berkshire.

Ronnie George – Volution Group – a leading supplier of ventilation products with primary markets in the UK and Northern Europe – based in Crawley, West Sussex.

Peter Digby – Xtrac – the world’s leading supplier of motorsport transmissions supplying competing teams in every premier formula and an expanding automotive market – based in Thatcham, Berkshire.