CRIEFF businessman Stephen Leckie has been named as an Ernst & Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
The Crieff Hydro CEO was nominated in recognition of the growth he has driven despite challenging economic conditions.
Stephen Leckie is the fifth generation of his family to run Crieff Hydro since the doors opened on Scotland’s maiden hydropathic establishment in 1868. Since taking the helm in 1994, he has marshalled more than £40milllion of investment to transform the property into a leisure resort which can compete on the international stage.
Stephen has held various industry posts including chair of the British Hospitality Association (Scotland). In 2010 he was invited by enterprise, energy and tourism minister Jim Mather MSP to chair the Scottish Government’s Tourism Leadership Group. He is also the incoming president of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and chairman of Crieff Community Council.
Stephen said: “Over the last year we have continued to drive investment in both our team and the resort. This has not been a time to sit on our laurels but an opportunity to shout louder and ensure we have something to shout about.”
The overall Scotland winner will be announced at an exclusive event held at Gleneagles Hotel on June 21. The judging panel, which includes last year’s Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year, Colin Robertson, CEO of Alexander Dennis Limited, will make its decision based on a number of criteria: entrepreneurial spirit; innovation; strategic direction; financial performance; national and global impact; and companies’ approach to social responsibility.
This is the 14th year the prestigious Credit Suisse-sponsored event has run in Scotland. Previous winners include Robert Wiseman, Sir Brian Souter and Sir Bill Gammell.
Jim Bishop, senior partner and Entrepreneur of the Year leader at Ernst & Young in Scotland, said: “The awards recognise and reward those entrepreneurs who drive growth and innovation with total determination, self-belief and a commitment to succeed.
“The value with which their products and services are viewed is evident in the success they continue to enjoy despite the difficulties experienced in the wider economy.’’
