Entrepreneur of the Year rides a high tide

By PAULA OLIVER

Marine contractor and sometime movie manager Bill Day is the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Mr Day, profiled last week in the Herald, developed his business from a small commercial scuba-diving enterprise into a multimillion-dollar marine contractor.

Wellington-based Seaworks lays undersea cables, salvages sunken ships, and supports oil platforms. Mr Day has also been involved in marine management for film director Steven Spielberg.

Award spokeswoman Carol Campbell said the judges were impressed by Mr Day's passion and energy.

"Bill's vision and drive have seen his company grow from humble beginnings 20 years ago to a hugely successful organisation with an impressive international client list and reputation," she said. "His ability to motivate and inspire others is outstanding."