National title is in Owen’s reach

Nov 18 2009 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

TENSION is mounting for Motherwell businessman Owen Barrett with just weeks to go before he discovers if he has been voted the UK’s top entrepreneur.

Owen, who runs Eurocentral-based Clyde Valley Drilling Group, is one of nine regional finalists competing for the prestigious British Chambers of Commerce 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Award in London later this month.

The Motherwell man has already beaten off competition from dozens of businesses to reach this stage of the competition and now hopes that his diamond drilling and cutting company, together with his passionate approach, will be enough to impress the judging panel.

He goes down to London having unanimously won the Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year Award after judges agreed that the company headed up by him had demonstrated real entrepreneurial flair.

This, they added, had helped establish CVD as a market leader in a specialist field of providing professional diamond drilling, diamond concrete cutting and finishing services throughout Scotland and the North of England.

In a traditionally conservative industry the business has invested in IT, R&D and people development to ensure that it can respond to the ever changing needs of its customers.

Maurice Logie, President of the Lanarkshire Chamber, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to present this Scottish Certificate to Owen to mark this entrepreneurial achievement by one of our long-serving members.

“It’s always encouraging to see a Lanarkshire business being mentioned when business awards are being made and we wish them every success at the British finals in London.”

Head of Marketing for Staples, the sponsor of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Yetunde Ige said: “The standard of entries has been outstanding, confirming our view that the UK has a wealth of talented, dynamic individuals who are making a critical contribution to the economy.

“Despite the difficult economic conditions, entrepreneurs across the UK continue to succeed, overcoming obstacles by adopting innovative ideas.

“Owen’s company is a worthy finalist, achieving consistent growth during the last ten years and setting a benchmark within the industry.”

Clinching the national Entrepreneur of the Year Award would give the company a chance to collect the Winner of Winners £50,000 cash prize which goes to the category winner whom the judges believe stands out form the rest.

The results will be announced at a gala dinner at the National Maritime Museum in London on November 26.

Last year Owen Barrett and his diamond-drilling company proved they were real gems by giving life-saving leukaemia charity the Anthony Nolan Trust a massive boost with a £50,000 donation.

Staff abseiled down the Wallace Monument, completed sponsored runs, swam with sharks and raffled off a rare black diamond necklace which was specially commissioned.

In September 2007, managing director Owen Barrett trekked 23,000ft to the summit of Mera Peak in Nepal, while in February of 2008 his fellow director Ewan Ogilvie climbed 19,340ft to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Owen Barrett said: “We set ourselves the ambitious target of raising £50,000 for The Anthony Nolan Trust and to have reached this figure is a tremendous achievement.”