Dean Hoyle named Ernst & Young North and Midlands Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 - Ernst & Young - United Kingdom

24 June 2009: Wakefield Chairman, Dean Hoyle of Sportswift Limited (trading as Card Factory), was named Ernst & Young North and Midlands Overall Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009, at a dinner in Manchester last night.

The judges described Sportswift as ‘an incredible growth story’. Hoyle has ‘built the business from nothing to securing 25% market share’. He has ‘changed the industry model by vertically integrating his business, securing his cost base and speed to market’.

All regional winners will go forward to a national final in October, where 53 top executives from across the UK will compete for the title Ernst & Young Overall UK Entrepreneur Of The Year. The UK winner will go out to Monte Carlo in May 2010 to represent their country at Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.

About Sportswift
Sportswift is a retailer of greetings cards and related products, trading from over 460 stores across the country. In 1993 Dean began selling cards from the back of a van. In 1997 he opened his first store and within six years had grown it to 38 stores.

Following development of a unique business model of design, distribution and retail he rolled out the proposition in over 460 stores. Establishment of the in-house design element of the business, the development of a management team that were aligned to his goals and the speed of the roll-out programme made it difficult for competition to respond. From one store in 1997 they are now the most profitable high street specialist card retailer in the country.

Stuart Watson, partner and North and Midlands Entrepreneur Of the Year leader at Ernst & Young said: “Entrepreneurs achieve great things and are real drivers of the global economy. Their vision, leadership, determination and sheer hard work are an inspiration to us all.

“In turbulent times where some businesses see hurdles, entrepreneurs identify and act on opportunities that the market presents. Bill Gates founded Microsoft in the recession of 1975, James Dyson launched his vacuum company in the early 90’s and Hewlett-Packard was born in a garage at the end of the Great Depression.

“Dean Hoyle has a sustainable business model in good and bad times and great potential to take this model international.”

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 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 programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Independent judging panel
The North and Midlands independent judging panel 2009 included: Les Tench, non-executive chairman of Sheffield-based SIG Plc – international supplier to the construction, building and industrial markets. Other judges include:  Ian Butcher, non-executive director of Redhall Group Plc; Michael Humphrey, chief executive of Croda International; Sir Mike Darrington, non executive director of Greggs Plc; John Brown, non executive chairman of Norcros plc; Stuart Layzell, director at Lloyds TSB Development Capital; Matthew Riley, chief executive of Daisy Communications Ltd and former Entrepreneur Of The Year winner; Vanda Murray, Deputy Chairman of NWDA and non-executive director of Carillion Plc.

Full list of Ernst & Young North and Midlands Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 regional winners below:

• Dean Hoyle of Sportswift Limited (trading as the Card Factory) based in Wakefield – retailer of greetings cards
• Garry Metcalfe of Inviron Holdings Limited, based in Birmingham – maintain, install and manage the systems and services that support the operation of buildings and infrastructure
• Gavin Slark of The BSS Group plc, based in Leicester – leading distributor to industrial contractors, domestic plumbers and heating engineers as well as independent merchants and UK industry
• Nick Snelson of Allied Publicity Services (Manchester) Limited (trading as APS Group) based in Cheadle Heath – manufactures and provides print management solutions
• Neil Gaydon of Pace plc, based in Saltaire – developer of digital television technologies for the global payTV industry
• Dr Arnab Basu of Durham Scientific Crystals Limited (t/a Kromek), based in Sedgefield – manufacturer of medical and precision instruments
• Ian Edge of Quantum Specials Ltd, based in Burnopfield – pharmaceutical specials manufacturer
• Jason Powell of Premier Medical Group Limited, based in Ludlow – Largest provider of medical opinion to insurers, brokers and solicitors in the UK
• Danny and Mark Schweiger of Character World Limited, based in Cheadle – licensed household toys
• Greg Phillips of North East Bakery Limited, based in Newcastle – bakery chain
• Steve Nelson and Richard Vertigan of 4Projects Limited, based in Sunderland – software developer and distributor
• Graeme Lowdon of Nomad Digital Limited, based in Newcastle – mobile network solutions for the global transportation industry
• Neil Stephenson of Onyx Group Limited, based in Middleborough – managed IT services to businesses
• Alan Firth of Meridian Healthcare (Holdings) Limited, based in Hyde – provider of residential and nursing care centres