Winner: Simon Williams

Finalists: Mark Fordyce, Anne Taylor

THE regional chairman of North Yorkshire’s Federation of Small Businesses has been named as Business Personality of the Year 2014.

After a surprise nomination from colleagues at the Federation, Simon Williams was praised by judges for his fighting spirit, taking on politicians and policy makers in his role to make sure the voice of small businesses is not only heard but listened to on a local, regional and national level.

Having been a member of the Federation for 17 years, Simon has held five senior positions within the organisation, while also running his own same-day courier business Yorkshire Express Services.

Thanking his wife for her support, Simon said when receiving his award: “I really am passionate and care a great deal about small businesses in North Yorkshire and will do whatever I can to support them and help them thrive.”

Judges also paid tribute to the two other finalists, Mark Fordyce, from York Data Services, and Anne Taylor, from SeeGreen.

They described them both as “familiar friendly faces in York’s business community”, and recognised their willingness to “go out of their way to help the economic growth of the city”.

But they said it was Simon’s work representing 3,000 members across North Yorkshire, and him dedicating at least 20 to 30 hours a week to his role, that made him stand out as the winner.

Simon’s position as regional chairman, which he has held for seven years, follows posts with the Federation of Small Business as York branch chairman, regional secretary, regional policy rep and deputy national councillor.