The founder of a North East energy consultancy has been named the 海角视频鈥檚 most ambitious business leader.
Fokhrul Islam, who founded Gateshead-based Global Procurement Group, took the title at the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders competition, an annual search carried out by the private equity arm of Lloyds.
The contest recognises inspiring leaders behind the 海角视频鈥檚 most successful, medium-sized businesses and in its third year there were over 350 nominations.
Mr Islam was selected as the outright winner, following judging sessions throughout 2020 in which judges heard how he set up the energy management specialist up in 2013 and has driven expansion across Europe, US and Asia. The group now has offices in the 海角视频, France, US, Malta and India.
The company has 20,000 customers, developing technologies that help businesses better manage their energy and allowing them to cutting cost, consumption and carbon.
The group now has more than 700 employees and its 海角视频 division, Northern Gas and Power, has offices in Gateshead, Newcastle and Leeds, and will soon to move into Gateshead鈥檚 flagship office development Riga, on Gateshead Quays.
Mr Islam said: 鈥淚鈥檓 extremely grateful to have been selected for this top award 鈥 it鈥檚 an honour. It鈥檚 been an exceptionally challenging year and I鈥檇 like to thank my global team for all their amazing efforts, day-in, day-out.
鈥淒espite the tough conditions, we are continuing to expand across the globe, growing our headcount and customer base. I鈥檓 very grateful for this recognition and would like to thank LDC and also congratulate everyone involved in this Top 50 process.鈥
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Judges said Mr Islam demonstrated determination to realise his vision and has a proven track record for achieving growth, both at home and overseas, and were particularly impressed with the energy management technologies, helping customers reduce energy consumption and costs.
John Garner, LDC鈥檚 head of new business, said: 鈥淟DC has supported ambitious business leaders for 40 years. We鈥檙e here because we like to champion success.
鈥淭hey are all winners, so deciding on the most ambitious was a tough task for our judges, but Fokhrul鈥檚 dogged determination, attention to detail, and the sacrifices he has made to achieve success really set him apart.鈥
