Two disabled entrepreneurs have won joint first prize 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. Rob Smith, 36, who has a spinal injury and uses a wheelchair, and Huw Thomas, 64, who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, both saw off tough competition to win the prestigious award.

 The initiative has been running for five years and recognises the achievements and unique challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs. The two winners will benefit from £50,000 each to grow their business. Sir Stelios said: “I would like to congratulate Rob and Huw on running successful businesses and displaying the drive, creativity and determination to reach the top and really fly. The £50,000 prize they have both received will ensure their businesses have an important boost for growth. Today, Rob and Huw join our community of entrepreneurs who are making a difference.

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.”

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. “