ALMOST 30 business leaders from pioneering Scottish firms have been listed as finalists for a prestigious award.

Chosen from 23 of Scotland’s most promising businesses, the 29 shortlisted candidates will be recognised at a ceremony at V&A Dundee at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards – Scotland.

It will be the first time the awards dinner will take place in The City of Discovery, which is considered by organisers as the ideal location given its long-established entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.

“Dundee is going through an economic revival and has arguably become the city of re-discovery,” said EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Scotland partner Mike Timmins.

“The centrepiece of the ambitious waterfront regeneration plan is undoubtedly V&A Dundee.

“It’s become a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and breaking barriers, so we felt it would be the perfect backdrop for this year’s awards.

“It’s critical we maintain an environment in Scotland, and the wider UK, that supports entrepreneurial drive and spirit. Once again, we have an awesome and inspiring judging panel with tremendous collective experience and I look forward to seeing what Scottish talent rises to the top during EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019.”

A number of those shortlisted will be recognised, with one taking home the coveted title of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 Scotland: Overall Winner. Those recognised will progress to the UK level of the competition before the overall process

culminates in winners from around the globe vying for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Scotland’s independent judging panel will be chaired by Andy Lothian, chief executive of The Insights Group.

The Dundonian entrepreneur said: “The city is enjoying a renaissance that represents the very best entrepreneurial spirit. A great celebration in a great city.

“A successful entrepreneur has to have purpose and create a compelling vision. Resilience, communicating with impact, consistent values, developing and leading others, creativity and,

above all, dogged determination are just some of the cocktail of ingredients that makes a great entrepreneur. There is no one-size-fits-all answer – the combination of these elements is always unique.

“A strong purpose goes a long way to enabling great entrepreneurs to keep going when others might not. It is the root of long-term success.”

Lothian will be joined on the 2019 judging panel by Mike Sibson of BGF (formerly the Business Growth Fund); Theresa Shearer, chief executive of The Piper Group; Vicky Brock, chief executive and founder of Vistalworks; Jim Pettigrew, chairman of CYBG; and Jane Wood, UK nations and Ireland director at BT.