James Hadley, the CEO of Bristol-based cybersecurity pioneers Immersive Labs, has claimed a place in the national finals of a prestigious entrepreneur contest after being named as one of the winners of a regional heat.
James, pictured below, was named as a Rising Star in the Midlands and South West heat of accountancy firm EY’s 2021 Entrepreneur Of The Year programme. 
He now joins 24 other entrepreneurs from 20 businesses across the UK for the nationwide finals.
Founded in 2017, Immersive Labs is the world’s first human cyber readiness platform and aims to create a level playing field that enables everyone to take advantage of new technologies.
The company lets anyone teach themselves practical IT skills in areas such as cyber security, through a dynamic online lab – helping to tackle the digital skills crisis in the UK and beyond.
James aims to make Immersive Labs the default platform for digital skills and has already expanded the company’s activities across five continents.
The judges for the Midlands and South West heat highlighted James’ entrepreneurial skill set and the way his approach to cyber technology had challenged convention. 
James’ role in the fast growth of the business, both from a financial and people perspective, was also highlighted alongside his enthusiasm for diversity and inclusion and a people-first culture at the company.
EY associate partner for private tax in the South West, Elsa Littlewood, who programme’s regional sponsor, said: “A broad range of sectors are represented in the Midlands and South West this year, which demonstrates the diverse and high calibre individuals and businesses that we have across the region.
“James and Immersive Labs are a fabulous example of this, and James’ tenacity, laser focus on his priorities and ability to convert opportunity, is the foundation of his success. I am really excited to watch his and the business’ journey over the coming years.”
EY chief operating officer for the UK & Ireland and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK partner sponsor, Lynn Rattigan, added: “At EY we want to build trust in capital markets, advocating for inclusive capitalism, helping our clients navigate uncertainty and catch the next wave of economic growth by coming together as one firm to solve their most complex challenges.
“At a time when many businesses have had to react rapidly to the challenges posed by the pandemic, these entrepreneurs have shown they can innovate, respond and adapt while also creating long term value for their clients and broader stakeholders.”
The overall UK Entrepreneur Of The Year winner will be announced at an event in November. The winner will represent the UK at the ‘EY World Entrepreneur of the Year’ ceremony in summer 2022, a forum which attracts the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries.
