Brewery boss on awards shortlist

THE boss of Middleton brewery JW Lees has been shortlisted for a top business award.

Managing director William Lees-Jones is among the North-West finalists in the EY North of England final of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, run by accountants Ernst and Young. Twenty North-West business people have been shortlisted, representing 18 companies. They will now compete with Yorkshire and North-East businesses on June 24 at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel.

Mr Lees-Jones (49) has been with JW Lees for 10 years and previously ran an advertising agency. He said: “I didn’t expect to be nominated so this is a very pleasant surprise.

“It’s really good for JW Lees to be recognised this way. It’s a family-owned firm with more than 1,000 employees and a £60 million turnover.

The winners will compete for the UK Entrepreneur Of The Year title later this year and the global awards in 2015.