Entrepreneurs from 30 of Scotland’s most innovative businesses have been shortlisted for the Scotland final of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 Awards.
This year’s finalists are an eclectic group from a variety of sectors including technology, food & drink, energy as well as social enterprise.
The Scotland winners will be announced at an exclusive event held at The Gleneagles Hotel on Thursday, June 23, with all regional winners then vying for the title of UK EY Entrepreneur Of The Year at a ceremony in London to be held in October.
Last year’s Scotland winner, Mike Loggie, Chief Executive of Aberdeen-based Saltire Energy, and Scotland finalist Andrew Kerr, of Glasgow based CMS windows, went on to receive an award for their achievements in growing successful and dynamic businesses at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK final.
The judging panel, led by Duncan Skinner, Social Entrepreneur at Social Enterprise Investments Aberdeen Limited 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.
David Mitchell, Director of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Scotland, said: “From the Highlands and Islands down to the Scottish Borders, the inspirational leaders of the 30 businesses shortlisted this year make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy, with a combined turnover of more than £530million and more than 3,900 employees.
“These entrepreneurs are leaders who are disrupting the market and helping to drive Scotland’s economy and reputation as one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world.”
Duncan Skinner, chair of the Scotland judging panel, added: “As both a former winner of Scotland and UK awards, I have a first-hand appreciation of the rigour involved in the entire process from application through to judging and follow up. The network which is created through the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme is incredibly powerful and mutually beneficial in many different ways. I am delighted to chair this year’s panel and look forward to meeting the next wave of Scotland’s entrepreneurial leaders.”