North-east boss gets another award for his collection
Keiller picks up E&Y business service entrepreneur prize at London event
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North-east company boss Bob Keiller added to a growing collection of accolades last night, when he was named Ernst and Young (E&Y) Business Services UK Entrepreneur of the Year.
Mr Keiller, 44, was among 40 finalists competing in eight award categories at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, having already taken the title of E&Y Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2008.
He was hailed by judges at last night’s event as an extraordinary role model for British entrepreneurs.
The award is yet another feather in the cap for the Production Services Network (PSN) chief executive, who led a £140million management buyout at the Aberdeen-based energy service firm in 2006 and has since overseen growth of nearly 50% at the business.
PSN is now one of the top 10 largest private firms in Scotland, with operations in 20 countries worldwide.
Mr Keiller’s previous awards include Grampian Industrialist of the Year 2008, KPMG Businessman of the Year 2007 and Entrepreneurial Exchange Entrepreneur of the Year 2006.
In July, he received an honorary degree from the Robert Gordon University.
In a successful night for Scottish business leaders at E&Y’s UK awards, Keith Neilson – chief executive of Livingston-based information technology firm Craneware – was named Science and Technology UK Entrepreneur of the Year.
Geoff Ball, executive chairman of Edinburgh-based construction firm Cala Group, won a special award for outstanding achievement.
Mark Harvey, E&Y partner and leader of the entrepreneur of the year programme north of the border, said the trio from Scotland were thoroughly deserving of their awards.
He added: “Through their tenacity, determination and business acumen they have helped to develop three highly profitable and industry leading businesses.
“The judges praised Bob specifically for his charisma, entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropist nature.
“He has transformed his business in the past few years through aggressive international expansion and a focus on recruiting and developing the best talent.
“He is a shining example of a Scottish success story in a global market.”
Mr Harvey said the judges had also noted Mr Keiller’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, such as PSN-led community projects in Bangladesh.
The overall title of UK Entrepreneur of the Year went to Richard Harpin, the chief executive of West Midlands-based emergency insurance-cover specialist Homeserve.
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