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Midlands 42 under 42 Dinner 2010
A hundred people - 42ers, 42s alumni, business advisers and business support organisations – attended the 1874 Suite at Villa Park for an evening of networking and awards.
They heard Midlands Business Insider editor Andy Coyne explain that the 42 under 42 concept came about when it was noted that the average age of those featured in the magazine’s flagship features is 52 and it was suggested shaving ten years off that figure to create a new feature highlighting the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. strength.
“This year’s crop of 42 is, I think, as diverse and interesting a group as we’ve ever had. With their ideas and drive they represent the future of this region in business terms. It is difficult to create or grow new businesses in any climate but to have done so over the last couple of years is nothing short of remarkable. That sort of resilience should stand the Midlands in good stead,” he said.
“Some of our past 42ers have gone on to do great things. Others perhaps haven’t fulfilled that early potential. Call it business Darwinism.
“We see it as a little bit like youth team football. For every Wayne Rooney there will be those who don’t quite make the same impact. But you should never stop looking for the next Wayne Rooney, or perhaps in this setting I should say the next Gabby Agbonlahor.
“Our 42ers are, as usual, a deliberately eclectic mix, but what all of them have in common is a great business story to tell. They have pushed themselves ahead of their peers and burn with ambition. It will be interesting to see who amongst the chosen 42 this year will become the business leaders of tomorrow. Some of them surely will.”
Guest speaker Fiona Hudson-Kelly - an award winning entrepreneur, professional speaker and internet marketing trainer - told the audience that they need to think about their businesses in the context of a rapidly changing world. “You need to take a moment to think about what you want from your business. Why did you start it?" She asked.
“And how have you changed the way you work? Have you embraced SMS messaging as part of your marketing and business model, for example?”
Property entrepreneur Paul Bassi, who won the Serial Entrepreneur of the Year award, had a message for the young entrepreneurs in the audience. “It’s a challenging environment out there but we cut our teeth in the ‘90s recession so don’t be demotivated,” he said. “If you are good at what you do the money will look after itself.”
Click Travel managing director Simon McLean won the overall Entrepreneur of the Year award. He said: “This is all a bit of a shock. It’s been an amazing ride and we have taken every opportunity presented to us.”
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