The nominees for the Ernst and Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year are a mixed bunch but they share a determination to succeed. Laura Slatteryreports

Conor Foley, managing director, Sports Spread

Sports Spread was founded in March 2000 to cater for demand for a wider variety of spread betting opportunities on sporting events, financial markets and national lotteries. Mr Conor Foley selected a business partner, chose the technology, hired and trained core staff and developed, launched and promoted the website.

The company now has about 3,000 clients, divided between Ireland and Britain, where the £3 billion sterling spread betting market is expanding by 30 per cent a year.

Sports Spread employs 18 staff and has qualified for grant aid from Invest Northern Ireland to recruit 50 new employees over the next three years. Revenues rose from €5.1 million in the first year to €14.8 million last year.