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Bristol enterprise leader named in UK’s top 100

Nick Sturge, Director of Engine Shed

Press release issued: 30 March 2017

Director of Bristol’s iconic Engine Shed, Nick Sturge, has been announced in the Sunday Times prestigious Maserati 100 index; a list of game-changing entrepreneurs who are disrupting the business world.

The index is made up of Britain's most successful philanthropists, investors, mentors, advisors and entrepreneurs who are supporting the next generation of business talent.

Nick has committed years to the collaboration platform Engine Shed and running the award-winning SETsquared business incubation centre. Engine Shed is a collaboration between Bristol City Council and University of Bristol, while the Bristol SETsquared Centre was set up by the University and is based at Engine Shed, in the heart of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.

The business leader has been recognised for engaging school children in the world of work, as he drives forward the mission to stimulate long term sustainable and inclusive economic growth. He is supporting and connecting business, inspiring young people to get involved, and showcasing to the public and potential inward investors the exciting opportunities that exist at the enterprise hub and incubators.

Nick Sturge, founder of Bristol's Engine Shed, serial entrepreneur and business start-up adviser, said: "It's incredible to be featured in the Maserati 100 for the second year in a row, and alongside such established and reputable leaders. I work with inspiring people every day and I continue to be impressed by the diversity and talent in this region that help create our ecosystem."

The diverse list features a high calibre of vibrant entrepreneurs, who not only help contribute to the growing UK economy, but also provide much needed support to tomorrow's business leaders. Over 75 per cent of those listed are under the age of 50, with the average age of disruptors being 38. The South West gained fantastic recognition with seven of the innovators and disruptors named in the list originating from the Bristol and Bath area, while the technology industry made up over 25 per cent of the index.

Iain Dey, serial Sunday Times Business Editor said: "Business disruption has allowed start-up entrepreneurs to turn the tables on big business through innovation." 

The Maserati 100 campaign was launched at the end of 2014 as part of the Italian car brand's centennial year celebrations. In partnership with the Centre for Entrepreneurs members of the business community were invited to nominate the individuals who they felt should be recognised for their support of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The collaboration partners have shared values; from the positive impact entrepreneurs have on the economy and society as a whole to the innovation, vision and determination required to succeed. The elite list is recognised by the partnership as they support initiatives and recognise others who do the same, with the final list curated by a panel of experts from the Centre for Entrepreneurs, including its founder, Luke Johnson.

Further information

Engine Shed

Housed in Brunel's original station, dating back to 1841, Engine Shed houses a number of 'components' that together make an exciting hub for activity where entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics, students and corporates can collaborate, inspire and be inspired, enable and be enabled. It showcases the strengths and innovations of the Bristol and Bath city region in an informative and inspiring way.

Engine Shed is a collaboration between Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership at the heart of Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. Its mission is to stimulate long term economic growth by supporting business, inspiring young people to get involved and to showcase to the public and potential inward investors the exciting opportunities that exist here.

SETsquared

SETsquared is a long-standing partnership between the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey which specialises in growing high-tech start-ups through its incubation programme and other business acceleration services. SETsquared provides mentoring, access to investors and corporate innovators and a wide range of industry experts through its network and training programmes. 

Independent research carried out by Warwick Economics estimates the economic impact of SETsquared member companies to be £3.8bn over this period, with the creation of 9,000 jobs and that these companies will go on to deliver a further £8.6bn of impact to the UK economy in the decade ahead.

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