Ploughcroft celebrates shortlisting in Entrepreneur of the Year award

Chris Hopkins, managing director of Brighouse-based renewable energy specialist Ploughcroft, is celebrating being shortlisted for the North Entrepreneur Of The Year award.

Hopkins was selected as a finalist from hundreds of entrants across the Northern region for the annual awards, which recognise excellence in business success and are run by global professional services firm Ernst & Young.

The regional winner will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester on 26 June and the winner from each of four regions will go through to the national final, with the chance to receive the title of UK Entrepreneur Of The Year. The UK winner will then automatically be entered into the firm’s international awards, representing the country on a global scale.

Hopkins said: “It is really exciting to be shortlisted for this award. I hope that my story will help to inspire other entrepreneurs to overcome their challenges and grow their businesses significantly, even in difficult economic times. Our business has grown rapidly in the past 12 months and we are aiming to become the leading renewable energy company for UK households.”

Hopkins was recognised by the judges for a range of qualities including his entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and the ability to lead and build teams. He has an impressive track record in business growth and has transformed the family’s construction and roof contracting business into one of the leading names in the renewable energy sector.

Hopkins has already gained national recognition, after securing investment from Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis on BBC TV’s Dragons Den. The television appearance also helped the company to extend its presence across the UK and led to an overnight doubling in sales enquiries.

Hopkins is also a member of the government’s Green Construction Board.