We are pleased to introduce the 3 finalists for the 2011 Stelios Award!
Three outstanding entrepreneurs have been shortlisted for the 2011 Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK, a competition run by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.
The disabled entrepreneurs – Ben Wolfenden, Rob Smith and Huw Thomas – saw off tough competition to make it to the final three of the prestigious award, which has been running for five years and recognises the achievements and unique challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs.
The winner of the 2011 Stelios award for Disabled entrepreneurs in the UK will receive a £50,000 prize – one of the biggest of its kind – at a special awards ceremony to be held in London on 14th December 2011. They will also benefit from specialist support courtesy of the Stelios scholar Reach Out Programme.
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Ben Wolfenden, 28, who has Cystic Fibrosis, runs Equestrian Outfitters, an online retailer of equestrian products; from jodhpurs and riding boots to horse rugs and tack.
He said: “My Cystic Fibrosis affects every organ in my body, particularly my lungs. Starting my own business has meant that I don’t have to fit my work around my health – I have realised that the two can work in conjunction.”
“Despite setbacks and difficulties I work tirelessly for myself and future family. My fiance and I are getting married next year and I want to make sure I keep healthy to stay alive for her and also our future children.”
www.EquestrianOutfitters.co.uk
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Rob Smith, 36, who suffered a spinal cord injury after falling 40 feet down a cliff, has invented a gripping aid which allows disabled people to firmly hold a wide variety of items, such as hammers, remote controls and sports equipment.
He said: “In July 1996 I fell down a cliff whilst on holiday with friends. I sustained a spinal cord injury which meant that I had to start using a wheelchair and my hand function was severely limited.
“The Active Hands Company started out when I asked my Mum to make a gripping aid I had designed to help me grip weights to do a workout. After a few prototypes we had a version which worked well. A few of my friends from wheelchair rugby saw me using the aid and asked for some to be made for them. After a few months we decided to start our own company.”
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Huw Thomas, 64, who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, runs Promove UK, a company that designs, manufactures and supplies specialist slings used to rescue, evacuate and transfer sick, injured, disabled or incapacitated people.
He said: “After designing a sling for my own personal use, I realised there was a gap in the market for this kind of specialist equipment. Together with my business partner, Dana Thomas, I founded Promove in 2007.
“In running my business I face challenges every day. But being disabled has its advantages, providing unique experiences and insights. “
