Ernst &Young >Newsroom>Press Release - Michael Hill vies for world entrepreneur title - Ernst & Young - New Zealand

Clare Farrant
Senior Communications Manager
Ernst & Young
+64 274 899 700
clare.farrant@nz.ey.com

Michael Hill vies for world entrepreneur title

Auckland, 25 MAY 2009 – Michael Hill, New Zealand Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008, will compete with entrepreneurs from 41 countries around the globe at the 2009 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monte Carlo this weekend.

Michael Hill, founder of Michael Hill International, a retail jewellery chain with stores in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, won the New Zealand title late last year.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Director Jon Hooper, says the Michael Hill story highlights the important role entrepreneurs can have in business, the economy and community.

“Entrepreneurs have what the world needs in abundance right now,” says Hooper. “They see opportunities where others see challenges and that type of spirit, vision and drive have never been more important.”

“As entrepreneurs develop new technologies, new service, and new business models, they create jobs. Ultimately that’s what keeps the wheels of commerce turning, particularly in challenging business environments like today,” says Hooper.

The Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 will be announced in Monte Carlo on Saturday 30 May. Entries are now open for New Zealand’s 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year. The winner will be announced at an award banquet in Auckland in October 2009.

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About Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes 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, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

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