The managing director of a leading Scottish organics recycling firm has been named as an Ernst and Young (EY) Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 in recognition of his services to business.
Grant Keenan, managing director of Keenan Recycling, based at New Deer in Aberdeenshire, was selected as one of Scotland’s top entrepreneurs after beating strong competition from 25 regional finalists, to gain the prestigious accolade in the awards organised by the global accountancy firm.
Mr Keenan launched Keenan Recycling in 2001, when he saw a gap in the market for organic recycling in the North-east. The specialist recycling firm currently processes more than 60,000 tonnes of organic waste per year at its £5million award-winning facility.
The company, which has tripled its commercial food waste customers to more than 1800 since the launch of the Waste (Scotland) Regulations, has significantly invested in its specialist fleet of lorries in the last year to strengthen its services.
Entrepreneur Mr Keenan is also a director of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) board, a board member of Elevator, and also chairs the Organic Recycling Group Scotland, which is part of REA (Renewable Energy Association).
Duncan Skinner, chairman of social enterprise Glencraft, led the Scottish judging panel, which featured Sandy Kennedy of Entrepreneurial Scotland, Allan Downie of Clyde Blowers Capital, Afzal Khushi of Jacobs & Turner (t/a Trespass), Calum Paterson of Scottish Equity Partners, Martin Armstrong of Wheatley Housing Group, Jann Brown of Wood Group, and last year’s Scotland winner Hamid Guedroudj of Petroleum Experts.
Mark Harvey, EY Scotland senior partner, commented: “Judges were impressed by Grant’s ambition, drive and impressive work ethic. Each year we are delighted to discover and learn about new innovative, dynamic businesses and we have an outstanding group of entrepreneurs representing Scotland andgoing forward to the UK finals. The quality, diversity and tenacity of our entrepreneurs who are helping to make Scotland the most successful place it can be, is something to be proud of.”
Mr Keenan said: “I am extremely proud to gain this prestigious title. Scotland has some of the country’s top entrepreneurs and to be recognised in the awards is a huge honour.”
Mr Keenan was one of eight Scottish finalists whose achievements were recognised at the ceremony. All the Scottish finalists will now represent Scotland at the EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year final in October, competing for UK titles and awards.