Entrepreneurs from 30 of Scotland’s most innovative businesses have been shortlisted for the Scotland final of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 Awards.
The list includes one finalist from Aberdeen, two from Aberdeenshire, one from Moray and three from the Highlands and islands.
North-east contenders include Elevator chief executive Gary McEwan, Stephen Bruce at Kintore-based Darcy Technologies and Ann and Howard Johnson of Blaze Manufacturing Solutions in Laurencekirk.
Moray is represented by Richard Forsyth of Forsyths in Forres, while flying the flag for the Highlands and islands are Gerry and Aidan Hennessey of Inverness-based Meallmore, Annie Stewart of Anta Scotland at Tain and Ingrid Webb of Cope in Shetland.
A judging panel led by Aberdeen businessman Duncan Skinner will make its decision based on criteria including entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, strategic direction, financial performance, national and global impact and the companies’ approach to social responsibility.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthhire on Thursday June 23.
Regional successes from across Britain will then contest the title of UK EY Entrepreneur Of The Year at a ceremony in London in October.