A BUSINESS leader from Peterborough has been short-listed as a regional finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards 2010.

Paul Bailey, founder and chairman of Worldwide Connect Limited, is among 112 people shortlisted across the UK that will compete at regional award events in June. Regional winners will go on to vie for the title Ernst & Young ‘UK Overall Entrepreneur Of The Year’ 2010 – currently held by Michael Spencer, chief executive of ICAP plc – at a ceremony held in London in October.

Sponsored in the UK by Credit Suisse, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates people who build and lead successful, growing and dynamic businesses; recognising them through regional, national and global awards programmes in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Other well known brand names that feature in the list, include: SuperGroup, which recently floated on the London Stock Exchange; Emma Bridgewater; Moonpig.com; Poundland; Republic; Seabrook Crisps; and Stagecoach.

Cathy Taylor, senior partner and the region’s Entrepreneur Of The Year leader at Ernst & Young, said, “Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises the people behind the world’s most innovative businesses.

“This year’s finalists have shown their ability to adapt to market conditions by seizing opportunities and taking market share.

“The finalists have maintained their vision for growth and pursued it, increased their focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty, expanded into new segments and geographical markets and engaged their employees using greater communication and transparency.

“These are the businesses that will drive the recovery and provide confidence throughout the world’s markets. Governments around the world, not just in Britain, need to promote an open economy to stimulate innovation. Today’s entrepreneurs operate on a world stage and depend on global capital, production, talent, and customers to deliver success.”