A BUSINESSMAN from Ringwood has been shortlisted in the south region finals of this year's Entrepreneur of the Year awards, founded by Ernst & Young.

The international awards programme, which is now in its sixth year, recognises and celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs who have grown innovative and successful businesses.

Among the finalists is Spencer McCarthy, of Ringwood retirement homes developer Churchill Retirement Living.

South region finalists will be interviewed by a panel of judges and the regional winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow, on July 6.

The successful entrepreneurs will then go forward to the national finals, in London, in October.