THE boss of one of the country’s leading telecommunications firms has been included on a shortlist of pioneering business leaders for a prestigious entrepreneurial award.

Ricky Nicol, CEO of Commsworld is ranked among some of Scotland’s most successful and promising talent with his place on Ernst and Young’s (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year shortlist.

The annual awards recognise the contribution and drive of Scotland’s brightest entrepreneurs, taking their ambition and influence in their sectors into account.

As one of the UK’s leading independent network providers, Commsworld has gone from strength to strength under Ricky’s leadership, including the recent securing of a £30m technology contract with Glasgow City Council and CGI.

Commsworld also recently celebrated its most successful year to date with revenues breaking through the £20 million barrier – up 41% increase on the previous year along with a threefold growth in profits.

Ricky said: “This shortlisting comes at a very exciting time both for me and the company and I am thrilled that our success is being recognised by the wider community.

“There are some fantastic other individuals on the shortlist so to even stand beside them as a nominee is a priviledge.

“I believe that we at Commsworld have stood the test of time by always being forward-thinking and flexible, which means we can deliver a truly unique service to customers.”

Established by Ricky in 1994, Commsworld is one of the country’s most reputable providers of digital connectivity, managing the largest privately funded Optical Core Network in the UK.

Commsworld is an Edinburgh headquartered firm, with offices in Glasgow and Aberdeen and more than 100 staff operating across public and private sector contracts.