Jason Holt has been recognised for his passion and commitment to supporting the nation's small businesses by winning the inaugural Enterprise Policy Influencer Award at the IOEE and SFEDI Celebrating Enterprise Event.

Jason Holt is CEO of the Holts Group of companies, which employs 100 staff. Jason has championed Apprenticeships for many years, having set up Holts Academy the only provider of accredited Jewellery Apprenticeships as well as vocational training courses for the Jewellery Sector, and authored the Holt Review, which recommends ways to make Apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs. Jason was appointed Small Business Apprenticeship Ambassador in 2013 by the Government and has also recently been appointed the Chair of the Government’s Craft Trailblazer Apprenticeship initiative.

Ruth Lowbridge, Executive Chair of SFEDI the IOEE, said:

"We feel very honoured to bestow Jason Holt with this award. Jason's commitment to championing Apprenticeships for young people and small businesses is a real inspiration to business owners everywhere. His tireless work in this area, which is provided on an entirely voluntary basis, is driven by his belief that Apprenticeships hold the key in creating the future nation with a skilled and successful workforce".

Jason Holt attended the event to accept the award, he said:

"I am delighted to receive this award. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for small businesses and young people, and it is wonderful to be able to highlight that message by receiving this award today ".