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Press release
15 Oct 2026
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London, United Kingdom
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026: UK finalists announced
- Ten businesses represented by 12 entrepreneurs have been selected as finalists in the EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM 2026 UK programme.
- The finalists were chosen from 90 businesses employing more than 20,000 people and generating combined revenues of over £3.22bn.
- Five regional winners and one overall UK winner will be announced at a celebration dinner in November 2026.
EY has announced the shortlist of finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM programme, recognising 12 exceptional entrepreneurs representing ten businesses from across the country for their innovation, leadership and impact.
This year’s ten UK finalists were selected from a shortlist of 90 businesses, which collectively employ more than 20,000 people and generate combined revenues of over £3.22bn
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 UK finalists are:
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Name |
Company |
|---|---|
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John Feddersen |
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Justin Basini |
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Barny Guthrie and Adrian Clarke |
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Amy Bird |
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Ben Richmond |
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Derek Smith |
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Matt Barker |
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Paul Ruddick |
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Heather Staff and Tom Staff |
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Ross McNairn |
The finalists were recommended by independent judging panels, representing five UK regions: London, South, Midlands, North and Scotland, in consultation with the independent UK judging panel who will eventually select an overall EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK winner. Entrants were assessed for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, impact and growth.
Ally Scott, Entrepreneur Of The Year UK, Co-Partner Lead, said: "This year's finalists are truly exceptional and demonstrate the strength of the UK’s entrepreneurial talent. Through periods of economic uncertainty and market disruption, they have continued to adapt, grow and innovate, while delivering for their clients and the communities in which they operate. We are delighted to recognise their achievements and celebrate the role they play in supporting UK growth.”
Alexandra Fogal, Entrepreneur Of The Year UK, Co-Partner Lead, said: "The EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM programme provides access to an incredible community of founders and business leaders, creating opportunities to share experiences, build meaningful connections and support their continued growth. This year’s finalists are truly inspiring and we look forward to recognising their significant achievements at the UK final in November."
The UK finalists will progress to the next stage of the programme, with five regional winners and one overall UK winner announced at a celebration dinner in November 2026. The UK winner will then go on to represent the UK at EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ in 2027.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM UK programme Headline Sponsor is Julius Baer International.
For further information, please visit EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™.