Enterprise Awards Dinner 2011
High flying entrepreneurs from the University of Strathclyde were recognised at an awards ceremony in Glasgow this week as a graduate of the University returned to inspire the business hopefuls of the future.
Businessman Gordon McAlpine, who recently appeared on TV’s ‘The Secret Millionaire’ and has amassed over 20 years’ experience in sales and marketing, was a special guest at the Strathclyde Enterprise Awards 2011.
He joined more than 200 people at a glittering ceremony in the city’s Grand Central Hotel that was hosted by BBC broadcast journalist Sally Magnusson and also included a keynote address from James McCallum – one of the UKs leading energy entrepreneurs who himself landed Ernst and Young’s UK Support Services Entrepreneur of the Year 2009.
A key section of the ceremony was dedicated to celebrating the success of companies spun out from and supported by Strathclyde that have made a significant impact within industry. Among those recognised was MGB Biopharma Ltd, a company currently developing an advanced treatment for killer bacteria c-diff.
This year’s ceremony also saw the launch of the Strathclyde Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs the inaugural members of this ‘hall of fame’ demonstrates the type of students and alumni that Strathclyde has produced over the years. The members include Sir Tom Hunter, Mr John Logie Baird, Dr James ‘Paraffin’ Young, Professor Maurice Taylor, Professor Ivor Tiefenbrun MBE, Mr Jim McColl OBE, Mr Afzal Khushi CBE, Sir Brian Souter and Dr Iain Graham.
Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University, said: "It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the achievements of our entrepreneurial students, staff and alumni at our third Enterprise Awards ceremony. Strathclyde has supported an ethos of entrepreneurship since it was founded in 1796 and the awards celebrate all aspects of that culture and environment.
“Our winners include both entrepreneurs at the outset of their careers and those who are already well-established. However, they all share an enthusiasm, ambition and drive to make a difference with innovative approaches to business.
"We are proud of our world-class research and high-quality graduates and it is inspiring to our current students to see the impact this has on both society and the wider economy.”
The awards were organised by Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network, which supports students and alumni of the University in business creation, business growth and the development of new product ideas.
The ceremony also revealed the winners of the Network's Enterprise Challenge competition, which was open to all University alumni.
