Search narrows for NZ's top young entrepreneur

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 have become 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