Finalists for entrepreneur of the year announced

"The calibre of entrants and quality of preparation packs received in 2012, which is a combination of all necessary details required in order to assess the entrepreneurs, has improved tremendously in comparison to the 2011 entries," says Naidoo.

Manufacturing sector is prominent

The finalists operate in various sectors, the most prominent being the manufacturing and services sectors. "Entries from the manufacturing sector are encouraging and show that South African entrepreneurs are not afraid to enter this vital job-creation sector, even in the current economic climate. In the services sector, entrants operating in the health, beauty, education, training and security industries were also well represented this year, whereby growth in these services is prominent in emerging economies."

Naidoo says that there also seems to be a trend of environmental sustainability amongst the 2012 finalists, with most businesses ensuring that relevant environmental systems and strategies are in place.