The chief executive of one of Bristol’s fastest-growing companies is to battle it out with 34 other entrepreneurs for one of the UK’s most-respected business awards.
Justin Ash, pictured, of Oasis Healthcare, the UK’s number one provider of private dentistry, has been shortlisted in the London and South region of the Entrepreneur Of The Year award run by international accountancy firm EY. 
The contest brings together 35 businesses from a range of sectors ranging from life sciences, hospitality and leisure to technology and retail.
Justin joined Oasis in 2008 and it is his vision that has built it to become the UK’s first national dentistry brand with more than 330 dental practices in England, Wales and Northern Ireland caring for more than three million NHS and private patients. Two years ago it was acquired by private equity group Bridgepoint for £185m.
Prior to joining Oasis he was managing director of LloydsPharmacy and has held senior positions in the service and retail sector including general manager of KFC in the UK and Ireland, and commercial director of Bristol-based Allied Domecq Spirits and Wines, Europe.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year regional heat will be in June with the victor going through to compete against the winners from Scotland, the North and Midlands in the UK finals in October where they will vie for the title EY UK Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 and a chance to represent their country at a global awards ceremony in Monte Carlo in 2016.
The judges’ decision is based on a number of criteria, including entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, strategic direction, financial performance, national and global impact, and the companies’ approach to social responsibility.
Entrepreneur Of The Year Partner for London and South Dave Hales said: “Our 2015 finalists demonstrate the quality of UK business, which builds confidence and strength in the economy. The leaders of these businesses are inspiring individuals who are creating wealth and jobs through innovation, whilst acting as role models and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.
“Entrepreneur Of The Year is more than an awards programme; it provides a forum for the brightest business brains to connect and share ideas. Year after year the programme continues to draw out companies that are challenging the norm, often operating under the radar. I look forward to celebrating their achievements with them.”
Stuart Watson, UK Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader added: “We need entrepreneurs now more than ever. They have been achieving success and defying the odds in times of change and upheaval, recognising opportunities to act quickly and decisively to gain market share and traction for their ideas and innovation.
“Now in its 17th year in the UK, EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year brings together dynamic business leaders of fast growth companies who are creating growth, confidence at pace and generating positive impact in their markets at home and abroad.”
