Two entrepreneurs up for top award

Chris Morris, chief executive of Citation Professional Services and Jon Clayton, managing director, of Mobica have been announced as finalists in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards 2016.

They will join leaders from 41 other businesses from across the north of England to compete in the North of England final on June 23 at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

Winners from regional finals in Scotland, North of England, Midlands, London and South will then go on to vie for the title EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK 2016 overall winner, at a ceremony in London in October and the chance to represent the UK at EY’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in 2017.

Victoria Price, north entrepreneur of the year leader at EY, said: “Our 2016 finalists are all outstanding entrepreneurs, who have developed strong and often differentiated propositions.

"They have driven the expansion of their companies through robust management with a clear focus.

"Investment in technology, innovation and domestic and international expansion are just some of the ways these entrepreneurs are growing their businesses and positioning themselves for even more growth over the years ahead. These dynamic, fast growing companies – and the people behind them – are vital to the North’s national and global competitiveness, and these awards rightly recognise their success.”

Stuart Watson, UK entrepreneur of the year leader, added: “The 2016 finalists are great examples of men and women who are visionaries; finding ways to do things better. With a record number of nominations this year, finalists cut across the technology, retail, food, financial services, and consumer products sectors, amongst others.

“Our awards programme will celebrate the full spectrum of entrepreneurial achievement from new market entrants, disrupting the sectors they operate in, through to more established businesses that continue to demonstrate strong growth as leading players in their market."