Stelios offers £50,000 prize to UKs best disabled entrepreneurs

The annual award, jointly run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and Leonard Cheshire Disability, recognises outstanding achievements of people who have overcome challenges to set up their own businesses.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet, said: “I am passionate about encouraging entrepreneurship, and the previous winners of this award offer proof that there are many highly talented disabled entrepreneurs out there.

“Removing the barriers disabled people face in business is essential – for far too long disability has been associated solely with benefits and welfare. I hope the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs will change that by highlighting their achievements and contribution to society.

“We want to hear from talented disabled entrepreneurs who are able to show they have got what it takes to run a successful business and meet a real need in the market.”

Clare Pelham, chief executive of Leonard Cheshire Disability, added: “Each one of our previous winners is an example of the drive and determination that characterises entrepreneurs; and a role model for young disabled people of the range of possibilities that lie ahead of them. There are no limits to what they can achieve.

“I know there are many more talented and successful disabled entrepreneurs out there – I urge them to take advantage of this unique opportunity and apply.”

The winner of the award, now in its seventh year, will be presented with the cash prize at a special ceremony in London later this year.

Last year’s winners Cyclone Technologies’ David Hawkins and Stuart Dunne beat a strong field supplying bespoke mobility and fitness equipment to paraplegic users.

To enter download an application form from www.lcdisability.org/stelios or call 0845 671 7173. The deadline for entries is October 25.