Grant Thornton UK LLP today unveils its inaugural list of people who are helping to shape a vibrant economy in the UK, one which realises the shared potential of businesses, cities, people and communities across the UK. In Sussex, Kevin Byrne from Checkatrade has been named a Face of a Vibrant Economy.
The list has been curated as part of Grant Thornton's purpose to shape a vibrant economy, and unlock the shared potential of the nation by working together with government, businesses and communities.
The Faces have been photographed by Magnum Photos, the international photography cooperative, as a celebration of the contribution they are making to a more vibrant economy.
- Kevin Byrne, Checkatrade – Kevin wants to make rogue tradesmen a thing of the past. From a spare bedroom and a single telephone, Kevin has built his business into one of the UK's leading brands, which today employs more than 200 people. In 2014 the company was awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation, and it has been listed twice in the Sunday Times Top 100 Small Businesses To Work For.
The list showcases individuals who were proven to deliver against at least one of three categories:
- Inspiring leadership – those individuals that have developed a culture that empowers, develops and motivates their people
- Innovation – individuals who are solving problems in an innovative way, or creating new ways and models of doing things
- Social purpose – people who are making a positive contribution to the wider local or national community
Ellen Walsh, Practice Leader, comments:
"Earlier this year we set out a clear purpose to shape a vibrant economy, and we know that no one organisation or individual can do this alone. Following the result of the EU referendum it is even more important than ever that we all work together to help the UK to build upon its strengths and ensure that our economy continues to grow.
"Today we're celebrating the achievements of these Faces driving a vibrant economy and sharing their stories to inspire others. Some are inspiring leaders, empowering their employees to reach their full potential. Others are using innovation to help their local communities, and some have created businesses with a clear, social purpose.
We are connecting and convening these inspirational figures to help us unlock the true potential of Sussex. Instead of seeking out the challenges, and focusing on the problems, we believe that by sharing inspiring examples from businesses, government and communities, we can look at how to replicate these across the UK for the good of the economy, and the communities in which we live and serve."
