Highland entrepreneur who founded Gael Force Group shortlisted for major award
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The achievements of a growing Highland business have been recognised with a nomination for an entrepreneurship award.
Stewart Graham, founder and managing director of the Gael Force Group, is among the six Scottish finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 UK title – and the only Scots finalist from outside Edinburgh.
A total of 25 businesses from throughout the UK have been selected as finalists in the awards, with the overall winner going on to represent the UK at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2021, against inspiring entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries.
"Our vision is to grow Gael Force to be recognised as a major world class Scottish company which will provide a high yielding legacy for all stakeholders over the very long term, and I very much see this shortlisting as an acknowledgment of our continual progress towards realising that vision.”
Mr Stewart's nomination follows on from a recent announcement of a recruitment drive by the aquaculture equipment, technology and service supply business for senior managers to takes its five-year growth strategy forward.
Founded by Mr Stewart while still a teenager, Gael Force Group has also seen a major expansion into North America in recent years, primarily to service the Canadian aquaculture industry.
Mr Graham said: “To be shortlisted as a UK finalist in EY Entrepreneur of the Year and be recognised alongside some truly inspiring business leaders is a huge honour.
"Gael Force has matured as a business in many ways over the past 37 years; through persistence, grit, ambition, and the building of trusted relationships between our people and our customers. I am proud of the entrepreneurial spirit we have engendered right across the company since its inception, something which has been incredibly important as a driving factor in our growth.
"Our vision is to grow Gael Force to be recognised as a major world class Scottish company which will provide a high yielding legacy for all stakeholders over the very long term, and I very much see this shortlisting as an acknowledgment of our continual progress towards realising that vision.”
Mike Timmins, EY Partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Scotland Leader, congratulated all the Scottish finalists.
“Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent continues to impress, with this year’s UK finalists representing a vibrant and resilient business community," he said.
“Despite having to navigate a very turbulent year, these Scottish entrepreneurs have responded positively with a desire to seize opportunity and pursue accelerated growth. Their ability to be proactive in such uncertain times, some embracing new technologies others adopting new operations, is the sign of a true entrepreneur.”
Related: Aquaculture firm has expansion plans
