South: Search begins for EY Entrepreneur of the Year

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme 2019, which recognises the achievements of entrepreneurs in the South of England, has opened for nominations.

Considered the world's most prestigious business awards, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year has been celebrating, supporting and connecting entrepreneurs since it first launched in the UK more than 20 years ago. The programme recognises successful entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact on society and the economy. 

EY is calling for nominations from business leaders across the Thames Valley and South, who have demonstrated entrepreneurial flair whilst growing or turning around the fortunes of a business – whether private or listed, socially orientated, family-owned or private equity backed, across all sectors. The business also must be based, or have its chief operations, in the UK, and have been incorporated for two years as of January 1, 2019. 

Entries are now open until February 28, with finalists announced in May. The programme begins at a local level, with regional programmes taking place in the South, Scotland, the North of England and the Midlands. Regional winners then progress to the UK final in October, and the overall UK winner goes on to compete for the title of World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monte Carlo next year.  

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with peers and raise the profile of their business at a regional, national and global level. They also benefit from EY’s insight and experience of working with some of the world’s most inspirational entrepreneurs.

Past EY Entrepreneur Of The Year regional finalists have included: David Brownlow, founder of Huntswood CTC; Peter Digby, chairman of Xtrac; Sally Preston, managing director of Kiddylicious; Ed Bradley, co-founder and head of sales, and Tim Ingham, co-founder and head of R&D, of Virtualstock; and Dr Gordon Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore Technologies.

Paul Etherington, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year partner for Thames Valley and South said: “Every year, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year highlights the achievements of the fast growth businesses in our region, the UK and beyond. The finalists join an unrivalled network of global entrepreneurs who are world leading innovators and industry disrupters.

“These businesses play a key role in fuelling the local economy, creating jobs and wealth and contributing to the prosperity of the Thames Valley and South.”