Finalists named for BU-backed business award

For the third year running, Bournemouth University is sponsoring the Dorset Business Award for 'Entrepreneur of the Year' - but who will win?

Just three candidates remain in the hunt to be named the 2010 Dorset Business Awards ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’.

The award, sponsored by Bournemouth University for the third successive year, recognises the individual or team based in Dorset who has shown exceptional entrepreneurial vision. This year’s short-list features an excellent mix of people who have made significant strides to make their mark in business.

The finalists (in alphabetical order) include:

Amanda Jenner, My Carry Potty, Bournemouth ā?? Amanda devised and launched My Carry Potty in 2009 and the product has been an astounding success in a short space of time. Initially launched in John Lewis, My Carry Potty is now stocked in more than 80 independent and 40 web-based stores and 22,000 units have been sold to date;

Duncan Jones, GSG Solutions Group, Christchurch - Duncan demonstrates how one business idea can lead on to a number of businesses with a multi-million pound turnover. To do this in three years is truly inspiring. Investing in staff and technology is paramount to his success and future aspirations;

Stephanie Pettitt, Equation Accounting, Weymouth - Stephanie has a passion for making accounting accessible. Her innovative approach provides small businesses a method to gain financial control, enabling them to set targets and improve their bottom line.

Previous winners of the award include Mark Cribb, owner of Boscombe-based Urban Beach Hotel & Bistro, who was honoured in 2008. Last year’s recipient was 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 John Vinney, BU Vice-Chancellor. “In these uncertain times, entrepreneurs who seize the opportunities that arise in adversity can ignite a spark and propel our economy forward.”

Now in their 16th year, the Dorset Business 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.

This year’s winners will be announced during a glittering oscar-style Awards Gala Dinner at the Lighthouse in Poole on Thursday 9 December.