‘The Maserati 100’ – a definitive list of Britain’s most successful business leaders actively supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs has been announced by Maserati and the Centre for Entrepreneurs (CFE).
Amongst a diverse and vibrant array of established entrepreneurs featured in the inaugural 100 list, the Midlands were represented by a number of successful business founders who are giving back to the next generation; highlighting the entrepreneurial strength and spirit of Midlands-based entrepreneurs.
Those featured in the list include:
· Denys Shortt - founder of DCS, the largest distributor of health, beauty and household brands in the UK. For the past seven years, Denys has supported the entrepreneurship work at the Royal Agricultural University. In addition, he has provided time, energy and contacts to help the Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Programme at the university grow. Shortt also invites budding entrepreneurs to visit his factory and offices in Stratford Upon Avon.
· Fay Easton - Director of Telford Enterprise Hub and co-founder of Start Up Hub, based in Telford Shropshire. The Telford Hub offers services such as finance through start up loans, start up boot camps, entrepreneur workshops, Mentor Mastermind Groups and workspace. Between 2011 and 2014 Fay worked with StartUp Britain as the local champion for Shropshire, helping to increase the entrepreneurial activity of the area through growing a culture of taught entrepreneurship. For the past 18 months Fay has been involved with the Young Britain project, co-financed by ERDF & launching over 400 entrepreneurial start ups.
· Joel Blake - founder and managing director of Cultiv8, a social impact consultancy firm that helps companies to develop and implement corporate responsibility and sustainability strategies. Joel is also the StartUp Britain local champion for Birmingham and co-founder of Biz Britain Finance; an official delivery partner of the StartUp Loans Scheme. Joel also founded The Hot 500, a non-profit learning hub for under 35 year old entrepreneurs.
The search for the prestigious Maserati 100 was launched at the end of last year as part of the Italian car brand’s centennial year celebrations. In partnership with the Centre for Entrepreneurs members of the business community were invited to nominate the individuals who they felt should be recognised for their support of the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Critiqued by an expert panel from the Centre for Entrepreneurs to reach the final one hundred names, the full Maserati 100 list can be found on a dedicated website: www.themaserati100.co.uk. Today, Maserati will bring the group of one hundred individuals together for an exclusive evening celebration hosted at the home of the Centre for Entrepreneurs in London’s Mayfair.
Luke Johnson, Serial entrepreneur and founder of the Centre for Entrepreneurs said, "Entrepreneurs have long been celebrated for their role as job creators - indeed UK entrepreneurs have created more jobs in the past five years than the rest of the EU combined - but their deep commitment to helping others often goes unnoticed. The Maserati 100 exemplifies the economic and social value of entrepreneurs; growing the economy, creating jobs and helping the next generation do the same."
Peter Denton, Region Manager, Maserati North Europe said, “Maserati was born from the entrepreneurial spirit of five brothers 100 years ago. Today, the Centre for Entrepreneurs actively encourages and supports that same drive and ambition. It is important to recognise the valuable work Britain's entrepreneurs are doing for the country’s economy, which is why ‘The Maserati 100' acknowledges those established names who are now generously giving their time and resource to support the next generation of business founders.”
Since Maserati partnered with the Centre for Entrepreneurs in the summer of 2014 the marque has supported the business think tank on a number of events and projects including support in a recent key study on Angel Investors.
