Entrepreneur of the Year

Radius Payment Solutions founder named North of England Entrepreneur Of The Year

Bill Holmes, Chief Executive and Founder of Crewe-based Radius Payment Solutions, was named overall EY North of England Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014. Bill, who also took home the International award, was described by the judges as having built a ‘remarkable business’, which he has grown from ‘a two man band to become an international market leader.

Crewe-based Radius Payment Solutions provides fuel card solutions to business and commercial fleets. Having started life nearly 25 years ago, the company now services over 90,000 business customers globally and employs over 600 people.

Robert Crooks, Partner and North of England Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader at EY, said:

“Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit and competitive nature, alongside his focus on innovation and forming the best partnerships, have been the driving forces behind Radius’ phenomenal expansion story to date.

“Having grown from scratch to become one of the largest independent fuel card providers in the world, Radius is ideally positioned to accelerate its growth in existing and new overseas markets over the coming years.”

Held at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, the awards dinner honoured nine business leaders across 10 categories. Each winner was judged and selected from 29 finalists leading 27 companies from across the North West, Yorkshire and North East.

Robert Crooks commented:

“Entrepreneurs form the foundations of our economy, so it’s important that we continue to support their ambitions and celebrate their successes.

“Rebalancing the economy back in favour of the regions outside of London and the South East will be critical in securing a recovery for the whole of the UK. With entrepreneurs like our finalists creating jobs and wealth right across the North, we can feel confident that this rebalancing will be achieved over the coming years.”