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23/06/08 - �50,000 competition launched to find Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur for 2008
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This major award, run by Leonard Cheshire Disability and sponsored by easyGroup Chairman Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, was presented for the first time in 2007 to Leeds man, Amar Latif from Traveleyes, a company specialising in tailor made breaks for non-disabled and visually impaired travellers.
The 2008 winner will receive a cheque at the British Chamber of Commerce Awards at London’s Natural History Museum on November 27.Sir Stelios said: "I am very passionate about encouraging an enterprising spirit and decided to work with Leonard Cheshire Disability to set up the award in 2007.
“We received a terrific response last year from disabled entrepreneurs all over the UK and as one of the judges I was amazed by the high standard of entries.“Arriving at a shortlist proved a difficult task just because there are so many talented entrepreneurs out there. The judges decided to award first prize to Amar because we felt his all round level of entrepreneurial skills was exceptionally high.
“With 50 per cent of disabled adults out of work, removing barriers disabled people face in business is essential. Self employment is the only viable option for many disabled people as it offers flexibility and helps bypass much of the prejudice that sadly still exists.Amar Latif said: “It was hard to find words to describe my emotions when the announcer said I had won last year
“�50,000 has meant I’ve been able to invest in my business expand worldwide with a new telephone system that handles calls from all over the globe.“Winning has not only raised the profile of the company but in real terms business has shot up by 130 per cent.
“Disabled people experience disadvantage and discrimination in business and enterprise everyday, largely through ignorance and this needs to change. “Assaf Admoni, Leonard Cheshire Disability Fundraising Director, said: “The awards help to highlight the barriers and opportunities disabled people face when they start a business.
“Having a disability can mean finding work or holding down a nine to five job like you or me can be difficult, so very often self employment is the only viable option.“Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year Award is ideal excuse for enterprising disabled entrepreneurs to flaunt their talent against the best and win �50,000.”
To find out how to enter visit www.disabledentrepreneur.org and the closing date for entries is September 5.�
� Copyright Scottish Disability Equality Forum 2003-2008
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