Scots entrepreneurs vie for EY’S UK prize
Six entrepreneurs from five ambitious Scottish businesses have been announced as finalists in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK title.
EY said the group highlights the diversity and resilience of the Scottish entrepreneurial landscape, with those chosen having adapted, and identified opportunities for growth.
The list comprises four entrepreneurs based in or near Edinburgh. They are David Calder, chief executive of security services company Adarma; Sarra Bejaoui, MD of outsourcing, PAS, business support and administration service firm Smart PA; David Farquhar, chief executive of Intelligent Growth Solutions, whose focus is growing crops indoors; and Kristian Tapani-naho and Darina Garland, chief executive and chief experience officer of Ooni, which makes portable outdoor wood-fire pizza ovens. Also on the list is Stewart Graham, MD of Inverness-based Gael Force Group, a manufacturer and supplier of marine products, technology and services.
They will progress to the UK judging and final, and the overall winner will then head to the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in summer 2021.
Mike Timmins, EY partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Scotland leader, commented :“Scotland’ sent repreneurial talent continues to impress, with this year’ s UK finalists representing a vibrant and resilient business community. Despite having to navigate a very turbulent year, these Scottish entrepreneurs have responded positively with a desire to seize opportunity and pursue accelerated growth.”