TH_NK MD, Tarek Nseir, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards 2008, it was announced today.

Amongst just 44 contenders shortlisted from across the North of England, Tarek will go forward to the North region awards banquet on 10th June at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel, where winners will be announced in ten categories, from Business and Consumer to Technology and Communications and Young Entrepreneur of The Year.  Co-sponsored by the London Stock Exchange, this year’s awards also invites previous winner for the North region (2004), Simon Nixon, MD of Moneysupermarket.com to sit on its independent judging panel. 

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year is ranked as the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognises the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognising them through regional, national and global awards programmes in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

The calibre of entrants is outstanding this year. It seems the current economic climate is not discouraging North East business men and women to shout about their success. We have been particularly impressed by the number of young entrepreneurs that have entered this year, who have already established successful, fast growth businesses so early on in their careers – a great sign for the North East economy.

Andrew SpencePartner, Ernst & Young Newcastle

This latest achievement signifies TH_NK’s continued success after recently winning awards in both Deloitte Fast 50 and EMEA Fastest 500 leagues and embarking on national expansion with the opening of its London operation.

It was a tough process to get this far so I was delighted when I heard I had been shortlisted in what is known to be one of the most highly respected entrepreneur awards worldwide. As the only digital agency to be short-listed in the North East, this is an accolade, not just for me, but the whole team and I’m looking forward to the next stage of the competition.

Tarek NseirManaging Director