Seventeen finalists have been named in the 2005 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
"The award is all about finding standout business people who have the special qualities and talents necessary to build sustainable, successful businesses", said organiser Carol Campbell.
"Many of these entrepreneurs lead businesses that havebecome household names and it's exciting to learn what it is that drives them to succeed," said Ms Campbell.
"Our judging panel is made up of five leading members of the business community. David Johnson, Melissa Clark Reynolds, Michael Hill, Nevil Gibson and last year's winner Phillip Mills. They will be looking for a range of qualities including entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, strategic direction and financial performance," she added.
The winner will go on to participate in the chartered accountancy firm's World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, which will take place in Monte Carlo in June 2006.
* The finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 are:
Michael Seymour, Radius Pharmacy, Wellington Sir Ronald Carter, Beca Group, Auckland Paul Manning, Metromedia, Auckland Annah Stretton, Stretton Clothing Co, Morrinsville Peter Bourke, Vision Senior Living, Auckland Steve McNally, Hillside Building Supplies, Auckland Elizabeth Shand, Ruby Apparel, Auckland Tenby Powell, Hirepool, Auckland David Sutherland, Integral Technology Group, Auckland Selwyn Pellet, Endace, Auckland Eddie Grooten, Dad's Pies, Silverdale, Auckland George Fistonich, Villa Maria, Auckland Claude Stratford, Comvita, Te Puke Ken Stevens, Glidepath, Auckland Daniel Williams and Steve Hogg, Web Drive, Auckland Katherine Corich, The Sysdoc Group, Wellington
