Martin Tierney of therapeutic seating company Seating Matters in Co Londonderry and Terry Hughes of cash services firm Pivotal in Belfast join William McColgan of food company McColgan’s in Strabane on the shortlist.
In total, there are 24 finalists from across the Ireland who’ll now compete in the EOY Ireland final at an awards ceremony in November.
Collectively, the 24 entrepreneurs and their firms nominated from across the island of Ireland generate annual revenues of nearly £860m and employ over 4,000 people.
The finalists span sectors including consumer, technology, media, health, life sciences, manufacturing and financial services.
William McColgan
A special sustainability award will be presented to the finalist who is making the biggest contribution towards environmental sustainability through their business.
Rob Heron, EY Northern Ireland managing partner, said: “This is the 28th year of the Entrepreneur of the Year programme on the island of Ireland, and with every year the bar is raised higher in terms of the quality of the impressive entrepreneurs that submitted nominations.
“I know that our judging panel had a seriously difficult job selecting our 24 incredible finalists…
“The creation of world class businesses from across Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland has never been more important and our 24 finalists are leading the way.
“Our finalists are exploring new markets and technologies to solve challenges and find solutions that will revolutionise their own industries, confirming this island’s exceptional reputation as a centre of excellence for innovation and business.
“I am delighted to formally welcome this year’s 24 finalists into the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year community and I look forward to working with them closely over the coming months.”
This year’s finalists have been shortlisted by an independent judging panel of previous winners, chaired by Harry Hughes, CEO of workwear company Portwest in Co Mayo.
Mr Hughes said: “We were so impressed with the outstanding calibre of all of the nominations received for the programme this year.
“Selecting just 24 finalists was an incredibly challenging task but I am thrilled to congratulate this year’s finalists and extend a very warm welcome into the EOY community.
” An immensely valuable experience now awaits each of them and I wish them every success as they embark on this journey and join this extraordinary group of passionate, courageous individuals who are truly driving entrepreneurship forward.”