Leeds businessman announced as National Awards Finalist

Leeds based Ed Reid has been recognised as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022. Ed is one of just six finalists in the Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year category for the North West & Yorkshire and the Humber region.

Ed co-owns Leeds based The Alternative Board (TAB), facilitating peer advisory boards and business coaching across the UK. It supports SME owners and senior personnel to develop and grow, increase profitability and improve their lives by leveraging the experience of others like them.

Alongside co-owner Mags Fuller, Ed has successfully established 40 franchises across the UK with hundreds of active members. Together they intend to treble the company’s membership over the next decade.

Selected from over 5,300 entrants, Ed is delighted to have been recognised as a regional business leader: “I am proud to be a finalist for such a prestigious award, but this isn’t just about me, it’s an acknowledgment of all our members and entrepreneurs who, by joining TAB, are investing not just in the future of their own companies but also the wider UK business community.

“It’s particularly fitting to have been shortlisted at a time when supporting peers is so imperative to keeping our economy going. Most members join TAB because they know that it will help with the performance of their company. They also appreciate how they can improve their own quality of life, learning how to avoid burnout and improve their interpersonal relationships, skills that are all vital to becoming successful leaders during times of economic strain.

Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said the quality of this year’s entrants exemplified the strength of entrepreneurship across the UK: “The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated this year. Shortlisting from so many inspiring contenders has been more challenging than ever, with many deserving cases put forward and an ever-growing business community thriving across the country.

“From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.”

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements. The winners will be announced at a Grand Final, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 21st November.

TAB is a membership model where members, who are owners or part of the senior team of small & medium size enterprises, pay a monthly investment for peer board business advice and coaching services.