Brian Palmer, CEO of Cello Electronics, has been awarded Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year for the North East region, in the Natwest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
The awards celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs. This year is the first time a dedicated regional final has been held in the North East.
Brian founded Cello, the only British manufacturer of LED TVs. In 2001, with a clear vision to develop a range of affordable TVs to appeal to a variety of audiences without compromising on quality.
Over the last 18 years, Cello has produced more than two million TVs from its factory in the North East of England and employs between 50-80 people in the region. On average, Cello manufactures 200,000 TV’s every year and has a turnover of more than 20 million.
Cello has led the UK market with TV technology, from smart TV development with the introduction of the iViewer in 2011, to the launch of the world’s first solar-powered TV in 2016, helping those in Africa who have no access to electricity.
Under Brian’s direction, Cello’s innovation team has combined radical, technically refined processes with contemporary styles to bring the highest quality products to market.
Brian Palmer, CEO of Cello, comments: “It’s an honour for Cello’s achievements in manufacturing and technology development to be recognised among outstanding competition. I am very lucky to have the support of a passionate and dedicated team who have been fundamental to Cello’s success. Quality and care are at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in being a British brand that provides affordable products to our customers around the world.”
Francesca James, founder of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “It’s the first time we’ve held a final for the North East as its own region, and it has been fantastic to see the quality of entrepreneurs in the area. I want to congratulate all of our winners in North East and wish them the very best of luck for the National Final in November. With over 3,000 entries this year across the UK, it really is a great achievement in itself to get to the regional final.”
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards National Final will take place in London on Thursday 21st November.
