Dundee “international success story” wins Scotland final of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016

Andy Lothian, chief executive of Dundee-based training firm Insights Learning and Development, was branded an “outstanding entrepreneur” as he claimed the title of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 Scotland overall winner last night.

Mr Lothian founded the people development firm in the City of Discovery 23 years ago with his father. Since then he has grown the business to become a global market leader recording a mult-imillion pound turnover, with 12 per cent growth year-on-year.

Judges commended the entrepreneur for his commitment to helping people in organisations around the world realise their full potential and supporting their positive contribution to business. He was also celebrated for delivering outstanding business performance and financials, as well as the successful commercialisation of technology.

Annie Graham, EY Partner and leader of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme in Scotland, said: “Andy’s accomplishments at the helm of Insights Learning and Development are testament to what entrepreneurial flair and determination can achieve. Taking a risk by leaving a well-paid job in the City, this outstanding entrepreneur recognised a niche in the market to help people truly understand themselves and others. The company is now an international success story, surviving the peaks and troughs in a tough market.

“This year’s finalists represent Scotland’s vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial community stretching from Shetland to the Borders. From innovative medical equipment to football and neckerchews, our network of inspirational entrepreneurial leaders are responsible for driving our economy forward and staking Scotland’s claim as a strong player on a global scale.”

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “Our vision is of Scotland as a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation and I welcome initiatives such as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards, which bring entrepreneurship to the forefront of people’s minds. With partners from across all sectors we have championed this vision through Scotland CAN DO, which sharpens our focus on enabling sustainable economic growth and towards delivering a Scotland that is a CAN DO place for business.

“I congratulate all the nominees and winners in the awards and wish them and their projects all the best for the future.”

At a ceremony held at The Gleneagles Hotel last night Andy faced formidable competition for the top award from the leaders of 28 other Scottish businesses. As overall winner he goes forward to the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 UK final to be hosted in London in October, along with the seven other Scotland finalists whose entrepreneurial achievements were also recognised at the regional awards.

These include: Timothy Cornelius, CEO at Atlantis Resources; Amy Livingstone and Julie Wilson co-founders and Directors at Cheeky Chompers; Alastair Atkinson CEO at DySIS Medical, Chris Gauld CEO and co-founder at Spark Energy; Nigel Chadwick founder and CEO at Stream Technologies; Douglas Samuel CEO at The Spartans Community Football Academy and Dr Mick Jackson founder and CEO at WildHearts Group.

An additional Chairman’s Special Award was presented to Moray-based Richard Forsyth, Chairman at Forsyths, who as the third generation of the family has grown the revenue of the business by 200%. He was praised by the judges for his ability to take advantage of opportunities and the huge commitment and generosity of the family to the local community.