2011 BRISBANE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED TODAY

BOASTING collective annual revenues of more than $195 million and employing 2377 staff, the 2011 Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists are anticipating the big announcement today at Moda Events Portside.

Aged 40 and under, the 34 finalists have made significant contributions to the Brisbane economy and are vital parts of its entrepreneurial spirit.

Who will it be this year? Last year’s winner Phillip Di Bella is back to defend the title after a stellar 12 months, which included launching refillable coffee capsules designed to compete in the pre-packaged market and the release of the long-awaited Torq – an instant espresso.

Also in the running is inaugural winner Bevan Slattery (2009), who after selling off PIPE Networks for $373 million to TPG Telecom Limited the day after he scooped the main award, is back with NEXTDC, which floated on the ASX during December 2010.

Other finalists include David and Richard Eastes who started up car hire company Vroomvroomvroom; video game entrepreneur Marko Grgic from 3 Blokes Studios and 99 Bikes’ Matt Turner.

Sponsored by Telstra and Hynes Lawyers, the awards are a Brisbane Business News initiative and are now in their third year. They are a celebration of home-grown success stories – many of whom are operating on the global stage.

Awards founder Jason Oxenbridge says the finalists each bring key qualities to their respective organisations.

“Positive stories can often get lost in a haze of negative sentiment and the Young Entrepreneur awards radiate optimism by celebrating the achievements of the next wave of business leaders,” he says.

For more information call Business News Publications on 3608 2068 or email [email protected].

2011 Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists (alphabetical order)

Jordan Wendall Birchall (Tuckeria); Ben Bradshaw (SponsoredLinX); Lindy Chen (China Direct Sourcing); Brett and Hayley Cooper (Cooper Technologies); Jono and Sam Cottee (Vanguard Clothing); Shainiel Deo (Half Brick); Phillip Di Bella (Di Bella Coffee); Richard Eastes (Vroomvroomvroom); Vanessa Garrard (E3 Style); Marko Grgic (3 Blokes Studios); Kent Grogan (Broo Beer), Llew Jury (Reload Media), Rajan Lashand (Spice Mart), Quynh Anh Le (NOJA Power Switchgear); William Liu (Sono Portside); Paul Mansfield (Weblinc); Kye and Sophie Macdonald (Skye Recruitment); Niall McCarthy (Zova); Don McKenzie (Stream Group); Jason and Dave Narciso (Elixir Coffee); Andrew Northcott (LSA Recruitment); Michael O'Brien (Fresh Events + People); Jodie Parker (Iceberg Events); Dan Petrovic (Dejan SEO); Kelly Quinn (Superfox); Marc Ratcliffe (MRWED Group); Adam Rockett and Chris Ryan (Strike Group Australia); Ben Shipley (Comscentre); Bevan Slattery (Next DC); Matt Turner (99 Bikes); Vu Tran (Go1); Belinda Vesey-Brown (Brio Group); Peter Ward (Wardy IT Solutions); and Brett Wiskar (Speedwell).