THE CEO of a specialist woollen mill in Launceston, has been shortlisted for two industry awards as part of the 11th annual Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023.
Colin Spencer Halsey, CEO of The Natural Fibre Company, took over the business in 2019 and has undertaken a successful recovery plan and transformation process, has been shortlisted for Unretirement Entrepreneur of the Year (national category) and the Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year (Southwest region category).
Colin said: “I am honoured to be shortlisted for these prestigious awards, which recognise, support and champion entrepreneurs across the country”.
Colin’s career spans a 50-year period gaining a portfolio of top industry accolades including a listing in The Manufacturer’s Top 100 in 2015 and again in 2022. As well as CEO of the business, he is also a business mentor, strategic advisor, an ambassador for the manufacturing sector and has developed a reputation as one of the go-to experts in the field, regularly collaborating with business support organisations such as SWMAS and the Cornerstone Employer initiative, working with enterprise coordinators from Careers Hub Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, careers leaders and other business representatives to promote career paths and opportunities to young people. He has undertaken several manufacturing turnarounds and operated a plural portfolio of small private investments, having successfully developed service-led brands exclusively operating in the high-net worth market.
Colin unretired for the second time in 2019 and entered the UK textile sector bringing his entrepreneurial expertise and specialisms in acquisitions, exit strategies and business intelligence. The Unretirement Entrepreneur award recognises exceptional individuals who have defied traditional expectations beyond retirement years and The Sustainability Entrepreneur award recognises entrepreneurs committed to creating quality products or services in a sustainable way.
The winners of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards will be announced on Monday, November 20, at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.