Exeter entrepreneurs named on shortlist for EY's Entrepreneur of the Year programme
Two Exeter-based entrepreneurs have been named on the shortlist for EY's Entrepreneur Of The Year programme.
Louise Morpeth, CEO of Brain-in-Hand Ltd and Paul Kilbride, CEO of Troy UK Ltd, are two of just thirteen entrepreneurs, from twelve South West and Wales-based businesses, through to the next stage of the programme. They join 124 UK-based entrepreneurs being recognised across four regions: London and the South East; North; Midlands and South West; and Scotland.
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 South West and Wales.
The 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.
Brain-in-Hand Ltd is a rapidly growing, disruptive innovator changing the way support services are provided to people living with mental health difficulties – across government departments and in social care and higher education environments.
Troy UK Ltd works to provide a better future for independent distributors of industrial supplies. The company operates in partnership with market-leading manufacturers and specialist suppliers.
Elsa Littlewood, EY Private and Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsor in the South West and Wales, said: “It’s great to see the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial talent in the South West and Wales being showcased through this year’s Entrepreneur Of The Year programme. The finalists represent a variety of industries and have demonstrated acute commercial awareness, an appetite to innovate and desire to grow their business, despite the challenges they will have faced over the last 12 months. I’d like to congratulate them all on being short-listed.
“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.”
Lynn Rattigan, EY’s Chief Operating Office for the UK & Ireland and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK Partner Sponsor, said: “This year’s finalists are truly inspirational. At a time when many businesses have had to rapidly respond to the challenges posed by the pandemic, these entrepreneurs have shown they can innovate and adapt while also creating long term value for their clients and broader stakeholders. I’m delighted to welcome this year’s regional finalists to our entrepreneurial community and look forward to seeing their continued success.”
Elsa 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.”
David Durlacher, CEO, Julius Baer International Limited, the Entrepreneur Of The Year UK, Headline Sponsor said: “Meeting the applicants for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK programme over the last few weeks has been truly inspiring – the strength of entrepreneurism across the UK is simply outstanding, particularly given the difficulties faced over the last 18 months from the pandemic. A huge congratulations to those who have made it through to be finalists – no easy feat amongst such tough competition.”
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.
The full list of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021 regional finalists by region is available here.
