TWENTY-FOUR companies in three categories have been shortlisted out of a total of 115 entries for the 2008 Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
All nominees were interviewed by Ernst Young and assessed by a 12-strong panel of sponsors and former winners chaired by businessman Denis O'Brien and including Aidan Heavey of Tullow Oil; Ann Heraty from CPL Resources; and Pádraig Ó Ceidigh of Aer Arann Express.
Eight companies have been chosen in each of the three categories - international, industry and emerging - and nominees cover a cross section of business interests with healthcare and technology among the top industries represented. This year's programme has an emphasis on environmental issues. As part of a chief executive's retreat held in Haiti in June, finalists past and present will work with some of the world's poorest communities. They will provide help and advice to the sustainable businesses set up by last year's finalists, and also help create practical solutions to Haiti's environmental disadvantages which include deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution.
"Successful entrepreneurs constantly adapt to changes in the business climate, and now that the age of physical climate change is upon us, these are the visionaries who will make global sustainability a reality," said Enda Kelly, the Ernst Young partner who oversees the programme.
The current holder of the title is Liam Casey, founder and chief executive of PCH International, the China-based supply chain management specialist which acts on behalf of US multinational groups in the consumer electronics, high-tech and medical sectors.
Mr Casey will travel to Monte Carlo next month to compete in the World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, where award winners from 40 countries will compete for the worldwide title.
The 24 finalists in the 2008 programme will be profiled in further detail in The Irish Times over the next six weeks, beginning with the international category next Monday.
Each finalist will also feature in a three-part series to appear on RTÉ in October. The winner will be announced at a televised awards ceremony from Citywest Hotel, Dublin on October 23rd.
