DISABLED businessman Stephen Collins can already boast one of the country’s best-known entrepreneurs among his fans.

Now he could be in line to pocket £50,000 from another top tycoon.

Earlier this year, Mr Collins persuaded multi-millionaire Duncan Bannatyne, star of BBC One show Dragon’s Den, to plough cash into his business Lazarus Mobility.

The 49-year-old, who sells disability equipment from his Aspley business, has now been shortlisted for an award sponsored by easyJet boss Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

The winner of the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs will get £50,000.

Mr Collins, who has cerebral palsy, said: “Winning this award would show that it’s people’s ability – what you can do – and not the disability that matters.”

Mr Collins had various jobs after leaving school, including 16 years as a NHS IT manager.

But in 2006 he decided to go into business on his own and set up Lazarus Mobility.

He said: “I spent my entire life preparing for this challenge, and my disability gives me a unique insight into what equipment works best for disabled people.”

Scottish businessman Bannatyne, who has amassed an estimated £310m fortune from his chain of health and fitness centres, was app-roached by Mr Collins at an awards ceremony last year.

He later agreed to pay his salary for a year and was in Huddersfield to officially open Mr Collins’ Silver Street outlet in September.

The Stelios award is run by Leonard Cheshire Disability, which campaigns for the rights of disabled people at work.

Sir Stelios said: “I would like to congratulate Stephen for reaching the shortlist of this year’s award. It is not an easy task to be nominated because there was stiff competition.

“With around 50% of disabled adults out of work, removing barriers disabled people face in business is essential.

“I have been impressed by Stephen and all shortlisted entrepreneurs and will look forward to awarding the prize to the winner and seeing how they use it to grow their busi-ness.”

Anna Cooper, corporate development manager for Leonard Cheshire Disability, added: “Disabled people in business experience disadvantage and discrimination every day large through ignorance, this needs to change. To be shortlisted Stephen had to prove that he is dynamic, driven and his business in destined to be a success.”

Mr Collins said he would use the prize money to develop his customer base, buy a delivery van and improve his website.

The winner will be announced at the British Chamber of Commerce Awards in London in November.