A HUDDERSFIELD "dotcom" entrepreneur has been shortlisted for a major business prize.
Nigel Apperley, chief executive of Internet Direct, is one of five UK company bosses in the running to be named Entrepreneur of the Year in the National Business Awards.
Mr Apperley, 35, of Helme, Meltham, set up Marsden-based Internet Cameras Direct with his wife, Sally, four years ago.
Mr Apperley, who abandoned a career in pension sales to set up the internet-based business, worked 18-hour days to keep the business going.
Last month, the company changed its name to Internet Direct following moves to introduce online sales of other electrical and electronic equipment including DVDs, plasma screen TVs and hi-fi systems.
The company - winner of the Kirklees Business of the Month Award for June - now employs more than 60 people and has ambitious plans to achieve turnover of £135m by 2006.
The national award, sponsored by telecoms company Orange, will be presented on November 11 before a 1,500- strong audience at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
