Blaze founders named regional finalists in entrepreneurial awards

The founders of a provider of fire control and safety solutions have been named Scottish finalists in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016.

Ann and Howard Johnson, who founded Blaze Manufacturing Solutions (Blaze) in 2006, have been listed as finalists for the ceremony due to take place at Gleneagles Hotel on Thursday, June 23.

The judging panel, led by Duncan Skinner, social entrepreneur at Social Enterprise Investments Aberdeen Limited, will make its decision based on a number of criteria, including: entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, strategic direction, financial performance, national and global impact, and the company’s approach to social responsibility.

Blaze, which is headquartered in Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire, has been pioneering fire control and safety systems for the past 10 years, including the development of its revolutionary Flameshield 300™ Flexible piping system. Heading up a team of expert engineers with a combined experience of more than 400 years in the field on over 70% of UKCS installations, Mr & Mrs Johnson have been trailblazing innovation in the industry, helping to shape the future of the oil and gas sector. 

Running in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries worldwide, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme honours men and women who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses. Now in its 30th year globally and 18th in the UK, the programme was created by EY to recognise the accomplishments of these outstanding entrepreneurs worldwide.

The husband and wife team has been shortlisted along with 28 other Scottish finalists, who will attend the Scotland awards dinner this week. The crowned Scottish winner will automatically take part in the programme’s pinnacle event, the UK awards ceremony in October 2016.

Mr Johnson, said: “Ann and I are honoured to be named as regional finalists for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year. This year marks a milestone for the company as we enter our 10th year of trading - and what a great way to mark it. Ann and I have worked very hard to get to where we are today but we couldn’t have done it without the help of our expert workforce. We are also up against some truly inspiring people and we wish them all the best on the night.”

Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/hse/20062016/blaze-founders-named-regional-finalists-in-entrepreneurial-awards/