The James Cowper Kreston
Business Person of the Year Award
FINALISTS

  • Robert Parker, Founder & CEO of Stoneworld (Oxfordshire)

    Robert Parker, Founder & CEO of Stoneworld (Oxfordshire)

    Throughout the journey of building Stoneworld over the past 23 years, Robert has made contributions to both the business and the industry. He embodies the qualities of exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and employee engagement.

    Under Robert's guidance, the team has flourished. His leadership style promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Through Robert's strategic initiatives, the business has experienced significant growth in revenue and market share - implementing innovative strategies to optimise operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance profitability.

    Stoneworld (Oxfordshire) is a family-owned business with a passion for natural stone and innovative masonry technology . With extensive experience and exceptional craftsmanship, they provide high-quality products and skilled masonry services.

  • Philip Shadbolt OBE,  Founder & CEO of EZ-Charge

    Philip Shadbolt OBE, Founder & CEO of EZ-Charge

    Innovation and development is at the heart of EZ-Charge. Founder and CEO Philip Shadbolt has spent his career successfully building businesses based on these principles and was awarded an OBE in 2016 for his services to business and innovation. Philip started EZ-Charge in 2020 after using existing public EV chargers and recognising a need for a more reliable and simple product.

    Philip is also Chairman and Founder of the Zeta Group, the sister company of EZ-Charge.

    EZ-Charge is a Bicester-based electric vehicle charge point operator which put Oxfordshire on the EV map with the country’s largest public charging network.

    EZ-Charge’s commitment to society well-being extends beyond environmental concerns. Dedicated to creating inclusive, accessible EV charging that cater to diverse communities. Charge points are strategically located to prioritise accessibility and convenience, ensuring people from all walks of life can adopt electric vehicles as a means of transportation.

  • Colette Thompson, Founder & Director of Cotswold Property Partners

    Colette Thompson, Founder & Director of Cotswold Property Partners

    Colette founded Cotswold Property Partners, a property investment company in 2021. With an extensive property portfolio, Colette incorporated Cotswold Property Partners (Holdings) in 2022 as the sole Director and shareholder, to allow her to continue the growth of her portfolio investments.

    Specialising in buying below market value properties, refurbishing and holding as either buy-to-let or furnished holiday lets, Colette’s portfolio has grown substantially between 2022 and 2024. In addition, Colette manages a successful holiday lettings business Let’s Escape.

    Colette is honoured to be listed in The Telegraph and NatWest’s list of Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs.

    Cotswold Property Partners is a property investment company specialising in high-end serviced accommodation. Creating beautiful properties for holidays let, contractor stays and housing the Oxford United loan players.

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