Media Release - 29 April 2010

Clare Farrant
Communications Manager
Ernst & Young
P: +64 9 300 7065
M: +64 274 899 700
E: clare.farrant@nz.ey.com

Entrepreneur Of The Year search begins

The search for New Zealand’s leading entrepreneur is on again with the launch of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Each year, the winner of the award fly’s the flag for New Zealand competing against 51 national category winners at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monte Carlo.

Diane Foreman of Emerald Group Limited, the overall winner for 2009 will represent New Zealand at this year’s World event.

Jon Hooper, Director of New Zealand’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year, says the award alumni are an impressive list of visionary and passionate entrepreneurs.

“These awards have recognised the people behind fast-growth, innovative businesses such as Emerald Group, Michael Hill International, Weta Workshop, Villa Maria Estate and Les Mills to name just a few,” says Hooper.

Hooper says 13 years of celebrating entrepreneurship in New Zealand also provides an insight into trends and innovative sectors during that time.

“Not surprisingly, technology, online services and health sector businesses feature strongly among the award alumni and more recently we are seeing the emergence of clean tech businesses worldwide.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious business awards.

“Entrepreneurs are particularly important in difficult economic times in helping drive economic recovery,” says Hooper.

Hooper says the ability of entrepreneurs to see opportunities in tough times was highlighted by a 2009 study by Ernst & Young involving mature multinationals and entrepreneur-led companies. Sixty-seven percent of the entrepreneurs said they were focused on pursuing new market opportunities compared to just 19% of the mature companies.

“Entrepreneurs drive growth, create jobs and wealth, making a significant contribution to the recovery and rebuilding of the economy and broader community.”

Nominations for the 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are now open. For more information go to www.ey.com/nz/eoy or phone Melanie Beattie on +64 274 899 998.

ENDS

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 44,000 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. 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, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

For more information about our organisation, please visit www.ey.com

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 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 Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognising them through regional, national and global awards programmes in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

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