SHIELD SAFETY CEO HONOURED AS TOP ENTREPRENEUR

Mark Flanagan (pictured above), Founder and CEO of Manchester based Shield Safety Group, a leading UK provider of professional services and software solutions across food safety, health and safety and fire safety has been named a North West regional finalist in two categories in the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023.

Mark has been honoured with the accolades of Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year and Global Entrepreneur of the Year in the highly regarded awards initiative which ‘celebrates the exceptional achievements and impact of entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom, showcasing their outstanding contributions to their industries and communities.’

Shield Safety, which employs 123 people, is now the largest employer of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in the UK, and supports businesses of all sizes from independent and large chain restaurants, bars and gyms, to major grocery chains.

The company, which saw sales of £8.86 million in 2022, has grown significantly since its formation in 2003, thanks to its trail blazing, highly innovative approach, led by Mark and his senior team. Notable achievements include the introduction of RiskProof, its bespoke, award-winning risk management software, protecting clients against risks to their business and their customer’s health and safety, reducing annual insurance premiums and improving their environmental footprint.

Mark Flanagan, CEO of Shield Safety Group comments: “I feel honoured to receive such high-profile recognition. My passion about all aspects of environmental health and safety have been the driving force to challenge the status quo and bring about major improvements in rationalising systems and paperwork, reducing the massive burden faced by businesses and improving the protection for their customers.

There certainly has been challenges, the most daunting of which was the COVID-19 pandemic, however I feel privileged to have made a difference on a UK-wide scale at a time of global uncertainty, panic and nervousness, with a safety initiative that brought protection and confidence to food business operators, employees and customers alike.”

He added: “I am very fortunate to have such a great team at Shield Safety, and am grateful for their dedication and support in delivering a best-in-class service to our clients over the past two decades. I am looking forward to the next step of our journey together.”