THE owner of Seamill’s Waterside Hotel has been shortlisted as a regional finalist for the prestigious Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.

Malcolm Simpson and his wife Karen have been key players in the leisure and hospitality industry for over 20 years.

Their family owned company, SimpsInns, operates award winning hotels, restaurants, bars, golf and leisure at venues across Ayrshire, including the Gailes Hotel and the Si! restaurant in Irvine.

Malcolm was shortlisted as a finalist in the Scottish region of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award where 30 diverse businesses are represented, including companies from technology, energy and food and drink sectors.

Companies shortlisted “boast a combined turnover of over £530 million and employ more than 3,900 people,” according to Business Quarter.

Malcolm said: “I am thrilled to be shortlisted as a regional finalist. There are so many great individuals and companies represented from across Scotland, so to have our relatively small but proudly independent Ayrshire company listed is a huge honour.

“Our story has been an evolving one, especially over the last five years when we have enjoyed a period of exponential growth, despite the economic downturn of recent years, and continue to bring new venues, product and service to market.

“Last year, we opened the brand new Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride, which is proving to be one of Ayrshire’s most popular wedding and banqueting hotels along the water’s edge with panoramic views to Arran.”

David Mitchell, director of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Scotland, said: “The inspirational leaders of the 30 businesses shortlisted this year make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy.

“These entrepreneurs are leaders who are helping to drive Scotland’s economy and reputation as one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world.”

The finalists will take part in a number of initiatives before the Scottish region winner will be announced at The Gleneagles Hotel on June 23.

The regional winners will then attend a glittering ceremony in London in October when the title of UK EY Entrepreneur Of The Year will be announced.