National Enterprise Network celebrates Diversity as Youngest Member wins Innovator of the Year
The National Enterprise Network (NEN) are celebrating alongside their member Birmingham Enterprise Community (BEC), after BEC’s Chief Executive Daniel Evans was named Young Innovator of the Year at the The Innovation Awards 2021.
The awards, which are supported by Aston, Coventry, Wolverhampton and Birmingham City Universities, celebrate innovation over the past 12 months.
Daniel’s business partner Omran Habbal announced back in April in a post on the BEC website that Daniel had been shortlisted. Having found out about his nomination, Daniel shared the following on LinkedIn;
“Humbled by this nomination for these awards at the Innovation Awards 2021! A big thank you to whoever it was that nominated us! Also a big thank you to every single person who plays an important part in this special community of ours!”
National Enterprise Network represents enterprise support providers and promotes the positive impact they have in their communities across England. The diversity of NEN’s membership reflects their commitment to breaking down the barriers to building a business. Daniel Evan’s success is proof that there is no minimum age or pre-requisite career stage required to make a meaningful difference in the small business ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of NEN, marketing and communications specialist Amy Knight commented;
“Our network is exceptionally strong because of the long-term commitment of those who’ve spent their entire career in the business of supporting start-ups. They have decades of experience and their connections are invaluable. But NEN members like Daniel and Omran are the future of enterprise support. They add vibrancy and inspiration to the network and are role models for social entrepreneurs everywhere. The diversity of talent of all ages, backgrounds and experiences among NEN’s members creates a really solid and reliable resource that entrepreneurs can lean on, anywhere in the country. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved.”
Upon receipt of the award, Daniel took to social media again, commenting;
“Moments like this make me reflect on the journey we’ve been on here at Birmingham Enterprise Community and what we’ve achieved in such a short period of time. It also gives me an opportunity to refocus & push forward on the big goals we’ve set ourselves for the future.” Daniel wasted no time before giving “a big shout out & thank you as always to the whole BEC family.” Recognising the entrepreneurs, mentors, partners and friends who make the team, he said; “This award is the result of all of your hard work which makes my ‘job’ the best job in the world!”
Birmingham Enterprise Community’s co-founder Omran Habbal‘s star is also rising and his achievements have also been recognised by NEN. Omran is a Syrian refugee who left home in 2012 “to go in a journey for a better future”. He’s now sharing his experience with likeminded entrepreneurs and has helped make BEC one of the UK’s leading supporters of start-ups and scaleups. Omran was named as a finalist for the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award this year.
NEN’s project Better Futures – Enabling Young Refugee Entrepreneurs – is designed to help more refugees like Omran to launch successful businesses in Europe. Follow the project on LinkedIn and Facebook pages to find out more.