THREE business leaders from the north are among the 24 finalists selected in this year'sEY Entrepreneur of the Year programme.
Douglas Adams (Connected Health), David Beggs (Pure Pharmacy) and Andrew Woods (Catagen) join a field of entrepreneurs spanning a range of sectors including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, retail, consumer products and engineering.
And collectively the group of 24 world class business leaders are already generating annual revenues of more than €700 million (£614m) and employ over 5,000 people.
The finalists will compete across three categories (emerging, established and international) and one overall winner will be selected at a gala awards ceremony in Dublin in November.
Rob Heron, EY Northern Ireland managing partner, said: “We received a record number of nominations for this year’s programme and the highest ever number of nominations for female entrepreneurs which we are delighted to see.
“This year’s finalists represent a broad spectrum of industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, retail, consumer products and engineering to name but a few.
“Our finalists come from diverse backgrounds and communities across Ireland north and south, showcasing the depth of entrepreneurial spirit and talent running through the island.”
This year’s finalists will engage in a strategic growth programme over a 10-month period which includes a week-long retreat in Singapore when they will join a group of more than 100 previous finalists and winners of the programme where they will meet a range of world-class entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and academics.
Judging panel chair Anne Heraty, founder of CPL Resources and who win the EY Entrepreneur of the Year crown in 2006, said: “The calibre and number of nominations received for this year’s programme was incredibly high. The process of selecting 24 finalists posed a very real challenge to our judging panel.
“It highlighted that the spirit of entrepreneurship right across Ireland is very much alive and thriving and gives much hope for optimism for the future of our island. I congratulate this year’s finalists and extend a warm welcome into the EOY community. I know first-hand just how incredible an experience awaits them and along with my fellow alumni I look forward to them playing a valuable part in our network.”
