EY has revealed the regional finalists for its Entrepreneur Of The Year UK programme, including eight entrepreneurs from businesses based in the East Midlands.
The finalists have been selected from a range of different sectors, including: technology; manufacturing; consumer; and health sciences, highlighting the strength and depth of entrepreneurship and industry across the East Midlands.
This year’s 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 East Midlands finalists are:
· Alex Goldsmith, CEO of Medigold Health Consultancy Ltd, Northampton – creators of occupational health and wellbeing solutions for employers across the UK;
· Barry Gough, CEO of The Memento Group, Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire – a global sports licensing business involved in the world of sport memorabilia;
· Andy Scothern, CEO and Founder of Merchant Systems Group, Nottingham – an ecommerce and product data management solutions business for the clients in the construction products sector;
· Nik Kotecha OBE, Chairman and CEO of Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Loughborough – an award-winning innovator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributors and supplier of high-quality generic and branded medicines and healthcare products to the UK and international markets;
· Jordan Brompton and Lee Sutton, Co-Founders of myenergi, Binbrook, Lincolnshire – an innovator and manufacturer of eco-smart home technology, myenergi is a hardware and software business, creating products that includes the multi-award-winning electric car charger – zappi;
· Paul Schaff, Managing Director of Plum Products Ltd, Lincoln – a family owned and run business, specialising in all thing active play, including trampolines, sand pits, climbing frames, dolls houses and children’s kitchens;
· Martin George, Chairman and Owner of Whitworth Bros Ltd, Wellingborough – an independent specialist flour miller established in 1886, producing bakers, bespoke and heat-treated flours.
Chris Romans, EY Private Partner and Head of Tax in the Midlands, said: “It’s great to see the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial talent in the Midlands being showcased through this year’s Entrepreneur Of The Year programme.
“The East Midlands finalists represent a variety of industries, some of which are closely associated with the region’s key sectors. All of the entrepreneurs have demonstrated acute commercial awareness. They’ve continued striving to innovate and growth their business despite the challenges they will have faced over the last 12 months.
“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.”
Chris 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.”
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.