Chris Hopkins, Managing Director of renewable energy specialists Ploughcroft, based in West Yorkshire, is celebrating being shortlisted for the 2012 Institute of Directors (Iod) Yorkshire & Humber Award for the prestigious title of Director of the Year.
Chris was selected as only one of three finalists from hundreds of entrants for these prestigious annual awards, which recognise excellence in business leadership.
Chris Hopkins, Managing Director of Ploughcroft, said: “It is a great honour to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. Strong and effective leadership is essential to business success, particularly in challenging economic times and as a company Ploughcroft has grown rapidly in the past 12 months. We are now firmly established as one of the leading renewable energy providers for UK households.”
A passionate and highly motivated individual, Chris was recognised by the judges for a range of qualities including his adaptability, innovation and ability to lead and build teams. Chris has an impressive track record of business growth and has transformed the family’s construction and roof contracting business into a dynamic organisation which offers expertise in many areas of renewable energy, including solar PV, energy management systems and wind turbines.
Kenton Robbins, IoD’s Regional Director, said “The IoD Yorkshire Director of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in the business. It continues to be a challenging time for businesses, which is why success and achievement need to be recognised and celebrated.
“Winning these awards demonstrates that you have been recognised as being at the top of your game by your peers and by the UK’s premier business lobbying group.”
The regional winner will be announced at a ceremony at the National Railway Museum in York on 4th September and the Yorkshire winner will be go through to the IoD’s national awards, with the chance to receive the title of UK Director of the Year.
Nick Beech of the Leeds Met University Business School, co-sponsors of the awards, said “The Director of the Year Awards clearly place the spotlight on the high-performing businesses across the region and thereby set a benchmark for others to aspire to. These awards clearly demonstrate that Yorkshire and its elite directors are still a major force to be reckoned with!”
Chris has already gained national recognition, after securing investment from Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis on BBC TV’s Dragons Den in August 2011. The television appearance also helped the company to extend its presence across the UK and raise awareness of Ploughcroft as the leading renewable energy provider for UK households.
Chris was asked by the Government to become a member of the Green Construction Board, based on his understanding of industry issues and ability to represent other businesses in the sector. As a result, he is now involved with driving forward policy on the Green Deal and Sustainable Construction. Chris is also a motivational speaker and has presented at several high profile industry and national business events.
These are exciting times for Ploughcroft, which has recently signed an exclusive agreement with Rolec Services, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of electric vehicle charging technology to be its national installation partner. This will see Ploughcroft supplying and installing its affordable electric vehicle charging system from its WallPod range to households across the UK and training other companies on its installation.
To find out about more about Ploughcroft’s renewable energy services call: 01484 723344, or visit: the website www.ploughcroft.co.uk