It’s that exciting time of year again. The Celebrating Enterprise Awards 2016 are just around the corner and the names of the finalists have now been released. This year, like every year, all of those who have made the shortlist are talented and hard-working, as well as being committed in their own unique and innovative ways to enterprise learning and skills.
Here at the IOEE, the Celebrating Enterprise Awards mark one of our most exciting calendar highlights. The awards, which have been running for over a decade, take place in the plush setting of the House of Lords and, from the chilled champagne to the heart-warming speeches, it’s always a brilliant event. We see it as our opportunity to give much-deserved recognition to people the length and breadth of Britain, as well as further afield, who stand out in the world of enterprise learning and skills. With the big day just weeks away, we’ve put together a quick snapshot of those who’ve made the grade for the Celebrating Enterprise Awards 2016.
Enterprise Educator of the Year
Three names make it onto this prestigious finalists list. First up is Associate Professor in Enterprise Education at London South Bank University, Anna Howard who leads the School of Business’s Student Enterprise Strategy. Christine Atkinson is representing the University of Wales and is known for her tireless promotion of enterprise and career progression for women. Lastly, Professor David Gibson OBE, who has developed ground-breaking models for embedding enterprise in higher education, will be joining them.
Enterprise Support Champion of the Year
From the world of enterprise support we have Elaine Owen FRSA, a prominent voice on the Women’s Enterprise Forum; Liz Cameron OBE, who brings a wealth of expertise and influence to her position as Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and Samuel Kasumu, a man who committed himself to bringing Start-Up Loans Company cash injections to Black and Minority Ethnic (BaME) communities.
Enterprise Learner of the Year
Three exceptionally determined young enterprise learners will appear at Celebrating Enterprise 2016. They are Martina Eco, who has turned her linguistic and translation skills into a strong commercial enterprise; student Robert Jones who has already made his name in leisure and tourism in his native Northumberland, and Roxanne Kelly whose entrepreneurial spirit has seen her overcome biting adversity to become an online trader.
Enterprise Learning Provider of the Year
The three finalists on this list all deliver enterprise learning in their own very distinct but equally important ways. Two institutions of higher education appear – London South Bank University and the University of Worcester’s Business School (The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Growth). Joining these two on this prestigious list is Ignite Auto Training, a social enterprise that supports ex-offenders back into employment via motor mechanic training.
Small Business Apprenticemaker of the Year
Apprenticeships are big news at the moment, so it’s only right that those who have been tirelessly championing the training method for many years should be honoured. The first name appearing on our shortlist is Anthony Impey, an entrepreneur who is passionate about developing talent for the tech sector both for his own business interests and for others operating in his sector. Debbie Bryan, a resourceful craft retailer who created her own apprenticeship when she couldn’t find the right framework locally, is next up. Finally, we have Scott Bailye, a man who began his own highly successful hairdressing career as an apprentice before going on to give hundreds of others the same opportunity.
There are also two other, special awards to honour individuals who have shown exemplary and lifelong commitment to the field of enterprise learning and skills. Last year, the Celebrating Enterprise IOEE Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon politician and entrepreneur Lord David Young who has played a vital role in shaping policy to improve the circumstances of entrepreneurs across the UK. Joining Lord Young on the winners’ podium was Professor Allan Gibb OBE, who collected the International Lifetime Achievement Award. For over four decades, Professor Allan Gibb has worked in the field of enterprise and entrepreneurship, engaging in practice, undertaking research, changing policy and furthering an enterprise culture both in the UK and in the international arena, making him the ideal candidate for such recognition. The bar is set high and it remains to be seen which two outstanding individuals will receive these special honours at the 2016 event.
Full information on all the nominees and their achievements, as well as the awards categories, is available at awards.ioee.uk