EF News
The visionary entrepreneur behind one of the UK’s most celebrated luxury spirits brands, as well as a successful chain of convenience stores, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Entrepreneurs’ Forum during the 20th anniversary of its Entrepreneurial Awards.
Nigel Mills CBE, founder of Mills Group and The Lakes Distillery, was honoured with the achievement at this year’s ceremony which took place on Friday 27th September 2024 at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious accolade of the ceremony and recognises individuals who have made a substantial and lasting impact on business and the region over an extended period.
Nigel’s entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Mills Group which he grew into a successful chain of convenience stores before its sale to Tesco in 2011.
He then co-founded Lakes Distillery in 2012 which has become one of the UK’s leading producers of premium spirits, attracting global acclaim.
Nigel also served as the Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum for six years, where he played a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring the next generation of North East entrepreneurs.
In recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy, he was acknowledged with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2018 New Year Honours List and named one of the inaugural ‘Maserati 100’ entrepreneurs list in 2016.
Accepting the award, Nigel said, “To receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from my fellow North East based entrepreneurs is a great honour and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. My business journey started over 50 years ago and includes working in the convenience store industry, hospitality and latterly the International Single Malt Whisky Industry.
“Throughout that time, I have been helped by many people within and outside of those industries and without their help I would not have enjoyed the success I have to date. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has helped me in the past and to highlight the incredible work of Entrepreneurs’ Forum. Their inspiring programmes and events offer vital support to anyone looking to take advantage of them. Long may it continue."
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2024 Entrepreneurial Awards illuminated the achievements of business leaders across various stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
Mark Edmondson was named Entrepreneur of the Year and Scale-up Entrepreneur of the Year for his visionary leadership at Inflo Group.
Launched in 2016, Inflo employs over 120 staff and has earned acclaim with international awards and global growth under 100% private ownership.
The One to Watch award was presented to Natasha Boulding of Durham-based Low Carbon Materials (LCM). LCM, a finalist in the Earthshot Prize in 2022, was recognised for its flagship products - OSTO® and ACLA® - which are designed to reduce carbon emissions from concrete and asphalt.
New for 2024, the Impact Award was presented to Kari Owers, founder of O.agency.
Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Kari, a former North East ‘Women Entrepreneur of the Year’, has worked consistently over decades to support women and young people in business.
The Champion award was presented to serial entrepreneur Charlie Hoult. Co-founder of seven businesses, Charlie was honoured for his support for aspiring entrepreneurs in the North East.
A special recognition award was also presented on the evening to Caroline Theobald CBE in recognition of her lifelong work to champion entrepreneurs in our region.
Elaine Stroud, CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, commented: “This year’s 20th-anniversary Entrepreneurial Awards showcase the incredible depth of entrepreneurial talent we have here in the North East. Our winners are shining examples of what can be achieved from humble beginnings in our region.
“On behalf of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, I would like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists and winners and wish them every success as they continue on their journeys.”
Hosted by Jo Darby, founder of Voice in the Room, the 2024 Entrepreneurial Awards were supported by North East Combined Authority, Prima Cheese, ScaleUp North East, UMi, Ward Hadaway, Week2Week Serviced Apartments and White Digital.
