Search is on for Dorset entrepreneur of 2010

25 June 2010

People celebrating the launch of the Dorset Business Awards

BU has begun its search for Dorset’s leading entrepreneur as part of the 2010 Dorset Business Awards.

For the third successive year, Bournemouth University is proud to sponsor the Dorset Business Awards 'Entrepreneur of the Year' and is urging local business people to apply before the nominations deadline on 17 September, 2010.

The award honours an individual or team based in Dorset who has shown exceptional entrepreneurial vision. Previous winners include Mark Cribb, owner of Boscombe-based Urban Beach Hotel & Bistro, who was honoured in 2008 and 2009 recipient James Hortop of Merlin Equipment Ltd in Poole.

“BU is proud to support the local business community through the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, made to an exceptional individual or company considered by the judges to be at the forefront of business innovation,” said Professor Alan Fyall, the University’s Head of Enterprise. “In these uncertain times, entrepreneurs who seize the opportunities that arise in adversity can ignite a spark and propel our economy forward.”

Following the sudden death of Merlin company founder John Hortop in 2007, son James took on the job of managing the company and securing the jobs of the 16 employees. He has since moved the business forward through innovation, restructuring and refocusing. Merlin manufactures components and systems that create, store, convert and distribute electrical power.

“In spite of the life-changing circumstances that put James in the driving seat at Merlin Equipment, he has shown grit, determination, opportunism, bravery and great ability in realising a bright and prosperous future for his company,” said the panel of judges. “James shows the real characteristics that define an entrepreneur and this is demonstrated through how he lives and breathes his business, which is with pride, enthusiasm and pure determination to succeed and be the best.”

Now in their 16th year, the 2010 Dorset Business Awards were formally launched at the Kingston Country Courtyard near Corfe Castle. The Awards are organised by Dorset Business (the Chamber of Commerce & Industry for Dorset) and backed by a number of sponsors including BU, the Borough Councils of Bournemouth and Poole, KPMG, Morgan Sindall Investments, NatWest Bank, Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, property and construction surveyors PH Warr plc, chartered accountants Princecroft Willis, UK Trade & Investment, Liz Lean Public Relations, the Arts University College at Bournemouth, the Bournemouth Daily Echo and radio station Wave 105.