The winners of a competition to uncover the top 20 outstanding, technology-using entrepreneurs in the UK have been selected.
For the second year running, the BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur campaign has conducted a nationwide search to identify the 20 most inspirational small-business owners, who are using technology innovatively to succeed.
Businesses from across the UK fought it out this year to be crowned BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur winners by a panel of expert judges, including John Dunsmure from the British Chambers of Commerce, Matt Thomas, editor of Startups.co.uk, and one of last year’s winners, founder of Toptable.co.uk Karen Hanton.
In addition four winners have been awarded extra accolades to celebrate their individual achievements; the best young entrepreneur, best female and male entrepreneurs and having the most original business concept.
“Technology has developed so rapidly in the business world and it is great to see small business enterprises embracing it to help grow their companies,” said Bill Murphy, managing director, BT Business.
"By utilising technology such as broadband, VoIP and advanced websites these small businesses have managed to reach a wider customer audience and expand their product. BT Business is delighted to honour these entrepreneurs and applaud the power of their ideas."
The winners, along with their portraits, will be announced in the November issue of Growing Business magazine, but readers can enjoy a sneak preview of two of them in the next issue, released in early October.
Acclaimed celebrity photographer Perou, who has recently snapped Marilyn Manson, KT Tunstall and Girls Aloud, has been working with all of this year’s winners to produce portraits which capture the ‘essence’ of their businesses.
The results will be showcased at a high-profile exhibition at the.gallery@oxo on London’s South Bank from November 14 to December 2 2007. For more information, visit www.bt.com/entrepreneur
