We’ll shout about it David Hunter wins Entrepreneur of the Year at The Niche Business Awards 2021 and talks to Emily Miller about why when he heard the news, he was both shocked, delighted and envious his business peers got to celebrate in person
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rom a video link at The Niche Business Awards 2021 Jenny Cross CEO of Cross Productions Ltd delivered the news to David Hunter that he had won Entrepreneur of the Year 2021. He looked shocked, convinced by Jenny that it was a catch up call unbeknown to him he was being beamed out at full screen to hundreds of his peers at the award ceremony held at The Athena in Leicester. “I couldn’t believe it! I know everyone says that, but I genuinely couldn’t, I couldn’t even believe I had been nominated. I don’t necessarily put myself out there as it were, I am social, but I don’t make a point of shouting about what I do,” David tells me. I will shout about it then if you won’t David. A bold mover and shaker in the taxi arena, starting out with a humble taxi firm the group has fleets in all major cities in the UK and growing. In addition, the company have never shied away from innovation and have taken on Uber coming out as serious contenders to the giant. “I suppose people see us as bold, and forwardthinking. I have the right people on my team, people who share my vision for our business – that helps me to feel confident in our future and makes be braver when it comes to making decisions.” Not one to stand still in the face of adversity, entrepreneur David shares with me that “adaptability is key” as is evident in the way he dealt with the pandemic. Thinking outside of the box enabled them to remain strong. “Overnight we lost 75% of business in terms of cars on the ground. We had to plan differently, launched a successful food delivery service and utilised the time to acquire several more firms to add to the group.” Keeping his staff in work and feeling confident in their safety was hugely challenging and now as the firm continues to grow they are on a vast recruitment drive offering drivers great working conditions, good pay and plenty of work. “I am proud to say people like working for us, it’s important to me and always has been. Service work
