EY crowns best young entrepreneurs
EY has announced the regional winners of its 2021 Entrepreneur Of The Year programme, with six of the Midlands and South West 's most inspirational entrepreneurs recognised across five different categories.
They join 19 other entrepreneurs, representing 16 businesses, from the North, London and the South East and Scotland in the UK finals.
Among the Midlands and South West winners, through to the finals in October, is the chair of a 145-year-old family food business, the management duo behind an innovative underwear brand and the entrepreneurial leader of an award winning company in the health and life science sector.
Triumphing in this year 's Midlands and South West Disruptor category is Martin George, chair of Wellingborough-headquartered Whitworth Brothers, one of the UK 's leading flour producers.
EY 's Entrepreneur Of The Year judges commented that Martin had a strong passion for change and legacy and had continually been a disrupting force within the UK flour milling industry to ultimately become one of the largest producers in the UK.
They were impressed with how he had utilised the latest technology, including blockchain and working with the world 's leading milling plant manufacturers to improve design and efficiency, as well as his commitment to Whitworth 's Quality and Innovation Centre allowing the business to differentiate themselves in a commodity market.
Meanwhile, Dan and Melanie Marsden, the dynamic team behind innovative Solihull-based underwear brand 'Loungewear ', were jointly recognised, winning the Scale Up category, having built their business from their living room in 2015 to now occupy a 37,000 sq ft headquarters in the Midlands.
The judges were impressed by Dan and Melanie 's drive to succeed and strong sense of people culture, with 'ambition to stay true to themselves '. Furthermore, they commented on the sound evidence of a culture of investment and innovation.
Steve Rigby, the joint CEO of the Rigby Group, a family owned multinational group with businesses across technology, aviation, financial services and real estate, has also won the Transformational Leader category, recognising his leadership and entrepreneurial acumen in transforming the business over the last 10 years.
The judges were impressed by how he had taken responsibility for the creation and delivery of the long term strategy of the group and become the driving force behind its recent success and expansion into financial services, private equity, airports, and real estate.
Chris Romans (pictured), EY private partner and head of tax in the Midlands, said: “The Midlands and South West winners of EY 's Entrepreneur Of The Year programme represent some of the most inspirational, forward thinking and vibrant business leaders in our business community.
“The broad range of sectors and companies represented is testament to the diversity and cross-sector quality of the UK entrepreneurial landscape we have here in the Midlands and South West.
“It was an huge challenge for our judging panel - comprising Joel Blake OBE, Debbie Bestwick, Charles Brady, Lucy Woods and Christine Bamford - to decide on our region 's winners due to the incredible talent we had within in our 30 short-listed entrepreneurs, all of whom had amazing success stories.
“The last eighteen months have been a tough time for many businesses. We 're delighted that EY 's Entrepreneur Of The Year offers inspiring business leaders the chance to showcase how they have been able to successfully build, pivot and adapt their businesses to the environment, and importantly, how they plan to continue to grow their business and make the most of new opportunities.
“Our Entrepreneur Of The Year programme will continue to support and celebrate all those nominated, but we wish all our regional winners the best of luck in the UK finals. ”
The overall UK Entrepreneur Of The Year winner will be announced at an event in November.
They will represent the UK at the 'EY World Entrepreneur of the Year ' ceremony in summer 2022 a forum which attracts the world 's most inspiring entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries.
A full list of UK Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists can be found here.