RELEASED: Monday 8th December 2008

 

Airolusion Ltd, awarded a place in the
'Courvoisier' The Future 500

 

A New list identifies businesses and individuals
capable of riding out the recession

 

John McKenzie (Managing Director of Airolusion Ltd.)
is identified as a rising star

 

London, Dec 2008 - As the government implements measures to bolster the economy, a new list identifies some of the individuals who are still succeeding and growing their businesses thanks to their ingenuity, incredible work ethic and ability to leverage trends and creativity.

 

The list is made up of names which have been awarded a place on the Courvoisier The Future 500 (CVTF500) network.

 

One of the names singled out is John McKenzie, the Managing Director of Airolusion Ltd. The company specialises in developing new innovative products for the defence industry, The company has developed a blast proof containment apparatus that will save lives and prevent harm to our troops and those living in landmine ridden environments.

The CVTF500 network, founded in 2007, is one of the UK's leading and most dynamic professional networks, recognising and rewarding the country's most innovative business brains and creative talent.

 

John McKenzie has been hand-picked by a high profile judging panel of leading entrepreneurs. The judges have screened hundreds of applications from a variety of business and creative sectors.

 

Judge Reed Paget, CEO of Belu Water, says, "We were looking for extraordinarily smart and passionate people, with ideas both clever and well thought through. John McKenzie of Airolusion Ltd genuinely stood out and has the potential to really take off, even in this economic climate."

 

Companies and individuals who made the list include:

Andy Cockburn from Wigadoo.com which facilitates easy ways for friends to make group payments online. Boo Armstrong of Get Well UK which provides alternative medicines for the NHS.

Stefan Lewandowski of Odadeo which is an online network for dads.

Rhodri Ferrier and Simon Duffy of Bulldog, an ex-investment banker and ad executive who are tempting men with natural grooming products.

 

Liz Jarman, Head of Technology & Development of Fairtrade at Sainsbury's, has been instrumental in converting some the supermarkets biggest selling own brand products to Fairtrade and in turn, helping farmers in developing countries find a route to market.

 

Courvoisier Brand Manager Claire Richards says, "These businesses are built on strong insights or trends by people with incredible passion. We believe by working together through support and collaboration our new members will make a difference during the next 12 months to strengthen their business during the economic downturn."

 

Indeed the judges identified 2009 as the year when we are likely to truly recognise the value and impact of the internal entrepreneur - the 'entrepreneur' - people who work in large organisations but who challenge convention and the status quo in a way which makes a substantial improvement to the company.

 

Over 10% of the new list work in medium-to-large organisations and are making huge differences to brands and profits. Leading the entrepreneurial charge is Liz Jarman, Head of Technology & Development of Fairtrade at Sainsbury's from Sainsbury's who impressed the judges with her ability to convert a diverse range of

the company's product ranges to Fairtrade.

 

Richards comments that "Courvoisier The Future 500 is about rewarding the success and achievements of the UK's rising stars. By bringing these people together through an exclusive network and member events, we can help foster a collaborative spirit to help people achieve even more. As the recession bites true inspiration, a driven attitude and a willingness to collaborate with others will be among the key attributes of businesses which will succeed."

 

For a full list of members of the CVTF500 visit www.cvtf500.com and register an interest for COURVOISIER® The Future 500, 2010.

 

The Judging From hundreds of applicants only the best will ever be chosen to go forward and be given a place on the network. To be given a place in the Courvoisier The Future 500 individuals must have distinguished themselves in their field and show a passion and determination to achieve.

 

Details on the 2009 judges Jamie Murray Wells, the 25-year-old internet entrepreneur, who began Glassesdirect.co.uk at the age of 21, by using the last instalment of his student loan. Today, Glassesdirect.co.uk is the largest direct-seller of glasses in the world, selling a pair every three minutes.

Ed Bartlett, the 31 year old co founder of IGA (In Game Advertising) Worldwide.

Seb Bishop, in 2000 at the age of 26, Seb Bishop founded Espotting, the company that pioneered Pay-Per-Click Advertising and search marketing in the UK.

Reed Paget, the 40 year old founder of Belu Water, the first bottled-water company to donate 100 per cent of its profits to fund other water project.

 

Science & Innovation: Airolusion Ltd, The Plaza, 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool. L3 9QJ. Website: www.airolusion.com

 

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