Those competing for this prestigious award in the Best Entrepreneur category include: (in alphabetical order by surname)
• Andy Bertulis – First Tech Group
• James Blakemore – Zest Electric Motors
• Nicos Criticos – Chester Wholesale Meats
• Rick Jackson - Sanyati Holdings
• Warne Rippon – Steelrode
The finalists in the Emerging Entrepreneur category include: (in alphabetical order by surname)
• Howard Blake – Blake & Associates
• Jenna Clifford – Jenna Clifford Designs
• Justin and David Letschert – Union-Swiss
• Mike Naidoo – Just on Cosmetics
• Renee Silverstone – Jupiter Drawing Room
• Andries van Heerden – Afrimat
"This year, our finalists bring to the table a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and enthusiasm, which is truly inspiring. The quality of our candidates that enter the World Entrepreneur Awards Programme is an indication of the immense talent that South Africa has to offer. Deciding on the finalists for each category becomes a greater challenge each year," comments Zanele Xaba, Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives at Ernst & Young.
The South African chapter of the global programme is in its eleventh year. Previous winners include the late Bill Lynch of Imperial Holdings, who went on to become the first ever South African to win the global event in Monte Carlo. Other South African winners include Ndaba Ntsele (Pamodzi), Koos Bekker (Naspers), Mark Lamberti (Massmart Holdings), Zitulele 'KK' Combi (Master Currency), Patrice Motsepe (ARMgold), Brian Joffe (Bidvest) and Ivan Epstein (Softline Holdings).
The Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards celebrate entrepreneurs who are building and leading successful, dynamic businesses. The World Entrepreneur Awards culminate in an annual gala banquet in Monte Carlo in June each year, where winning entrepreneurs in the Best category from over 42 countries around the world compete for one of the most coveted global business awards.
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Very Important Note - Please be aware of the following, when referring to the World Entrepreneur Awards Programme:
The phrase ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR is registered as a trade mark in South Africa in the name of Business Partners Limited. Legally, in South Africa Ernst & Young and First National Bank are therefore entitled to use only the following replacement phrases - WORLD ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS, WORLD ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS PROGRAMME, WORLD ENTREPRENEUR or WORLD ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME.
About Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur Awards Programme
Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur Awards Programme is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognises the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur awards programme celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognising them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.
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About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential. For more information, please visit www.ey.com. Ernst & Young refers to the global organisation of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited does not provide services to clients.
Ernst & Young South Africa is a company comprising 145 directors and a staff complement of over 2000 in offices throughout the country. Ernst & Young South Africa has made significant progress with its transformation and is the leader amongst the Big Four with 48% of its staff and 29% of its ownership being black, 50% of its total staff being female and 27% female ownership. The South African company is also Top Ten Ranked in the Corporate Research Foundation’s Best Employer 2007 and 2008 surveys as well as the winner of the Foundation’s Best Companies to Work For in South Africa 2006 survey.
Web: www.ey.com/za
Issued by: Christy Roux
Ernst & Young
Tel: +27-11-502 0472
Cell: +27-84 744 1110
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
On behalf of: Zanele Xaba
Ernst & Young
Tel: +27-11- 502 0261
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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