Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is calling for talented disabled entrepreneurs to apply for this year’s Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK.
The award, jointly run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and Leonard Cheshire Disability, recognises the achievements and unique challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs. Now in its sixth year, it offers a £50,000 cash prize to the winner.
Applicants have until 5pm on Friday 26 October to apply and the winner will be presented with a cheque at a special ceremony in London on 3 December.
Sir Stelios said: “I am passionate about encouraging entrepreneurship, and the previous winners of this award offer proof that there are many highly talented disabled entrepreneurs out there.
“With around 50 per cent of disabled adults out of work it is clear that there still is a long way to go. Removing the barriers disabled people face in business is essential, and I hope that the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs goes some way to highlighting their achievements.
“We want to hear from talented disabled entrepreneurs who are able to show they have got what it takes to run a successful business and meet a real need in the market.”
Helen Carter from Leonard Cheshire Disability, who leads on the award, said: “Disabled people in business experience disadvantage and discrimination everyday, largely through ignorance - this must change.
“Our partnership with Sir Stelios is helping the charity highlight the barriers disabled people face in the workplace and recognise the outstanding achievements of disabled entrepreneurs.”
Last year there were two joint winners, Rob Smith and Huw Thomas who each won £50,000 to develop their business.
Rob’s business, The Active Hands Company www.activehands.co.uk, designs, manufactures and sells gripping aids which allow disabled people with limited hand function to grip a wide variety of items.
Huw’s business, Promove UK www.promove.uk.com, designs, manufactures and supplies specialist slings used to rescue, evacuate and transfer sick, injured, disabled or incapacitated people.
To apply or to find out more about the award see www.lcdisability.org/stelios, e-mail innovation@lcdisability.org or call 0845 671 7173 (option 1).
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