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by Oroson
October 4, 2019
Our CEO had great success at the Ulster Bank Great British & Northern Irish Entrepreneur Awards in Belfast last night, scooping not one but two awards.
This is the first year the #GBNIEA Awards held a regional final in Northern Ireland. The Awards celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, rather than the business’ balance sheet.
We were delighted to see our Oroson CEO Daniel McGlade win two of the awards.
This award champions entrepreneurs operating in the service industry who provide a new or established service in an original way. The criteria was to showcase commitment and flair for business within their sector and demonstrate industry-honed skills to innovate and improve connections within their field. Overall, the winning entry had to show how stakeholders benefit from a more efficient business experience.
The Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year Award criteria was based on guiding the business through those all-important nascent stages. Entrants had to demonstrate how they have responded to the many inevitable drawbacks with an attitude that feels for the best in every situation with a heart that will not give up. The winner had to show how over the last five years, they identified and exploited market opportunity while building a solid foundation upon which their organization can thrive.
Having recovered slightly from the surprise of the double win, Daniel said: “I truly was not expecting that. To pick up one award in such competitive categories is fantastic, but two is incredible and I’m thrilled. It’s great to see awards like these recognize more than just the turnover of a business. They help promote the hard work and achievements of startups and entrepreneurs. This gives them the platform they need to help drive awareness and grow their business.”
Francesca James, founder of the Ulster Bank Great British & Northern Irish Entrepreneur Awards, said: “This is the first year we’ve come to Northern Ireland and the standard of applications has been really impressive. The journeys these entrepreneurs have taken to get where they are is incredibly inspiring. I want to congratulate all of our winners in Northern Ireland and wish them the very best of luck for the National Final in November. With over 3,000 entries this year across the UK, it really is a great achievement in itself to get to the regional final.”
The brilliant and very entertaining Wynne Evans, better known as ‘The Go Compare Man’ hosted the awards. Not in his usual attire, he sang his infamous words to confirm it was really him. This got the evening off to a very sociable start.
Special mention goes to Dave Linton, founder of social enterprise Madlug who was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year. Dave’s brand of backpacks and luggage uses the ‘buy one give one’ concept to help give dignity to children in care. Another very inspiring story.
Gordon Merrylees, managing director of entrepreneurship at Ulster Bank, said: “Ulster Bank is proud to support the Great British & Northern Irish Entrepreneur Awards celebrating another year of amazing achievements for entrepreneurs starting and growing businesses from every corner of the country.”
The winners of each category will now go to the National Final, which takes place in London in November. Good luck for that Daniel!