Birmingham, 23 June 2015 – Simon Ward, CEO of Inspired Thinking Group, has been named Midlands Region Entrepreneur of the Year 2015. The achievement recognises the tremendous growth and success of the marketing services and technology group.

In addition to Overall Winner, Simon scooped the Technology award for the company’s Media Centre marketing technology platform, which forms the marketing operational backbone of numerous blue-chip retailers and brands, including M&S, Heineken, Renault, PUMA, Sainsbury’s and ŠKODA.

He is the only entrepreneur in the region to win two EOY awards, which are presented by the EY Foundation and supported by the CBI and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.

Simon’s insight was to understand that what marketing departments require above all else is something to take away the pain of admin and procurement so they can get on with the job of marketing.

Commenting on the award, Simon said, “In just over five years, we have gone from a start-up with a handful of employees to a major player in the marketing sector, employing over 350 professional staff, whose dedication to customer service has been pivotal to the company’s success.”

Last year, ITG entered the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 and in March was named one of the London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

Simon established ITG in 2009 and has played a pivotal role in managing the business and securing investment for growth and acquisitions. Simon is currently leading ITG’s expansion into the USA. Prior to establishing ITG, Simon was Commercial CEO of SP Group.

Now in their 17^th year in the UK, the annual EOY awards identify the leading entrepreneurs in the South, Midlands, North and Scotland in several categories. The national winners in each category will be revealed at an awards ceremony on 5 October.