Sustainable business entrepreneur Stephen Critchlow wins regional Barclays Icon of the Year Award

Manchester based CEO of Evergreen Group, Stephen Critchlow, has been recognised for his contribution to sustainable business growth in the North region, in the Barclays Entrepeneur Awards 2018.

The Awards celebrate entrepreneurs for their exceptional innovation and for creating social change and growth that’s moving the UK’s economy forwards. Critchlow was acknowledged in the judging process of the award for his success in scaling multiple businesses, demonstrating sustainable growth, investment and partnership strategies, and active support and mentorship for other growing entrepreneurs.

Critchlow initially founded healthcare software company Ascribe in 1989, with a vision to ensure all health decisions were informed at the point of care. This business grew to serve more than 75% of UK hospitals as well as hospitals overseas. The business grew by acquiring 9 other businesses, employing 270 staff and was eventually listed on the AIM market. In 2012 Ascribe was acquired by fellow healthcare software provider EMIS Group in a sale worth an initial £57.5m. After the sale, Critchlow then went on to set up ASC Renewables, a pioneer for renewable energy which is he now in the process of scaling as the Evergreen Group.

Evergreen Group, based in Manchester City Centre, currently consists of three brands: Evergreen Life, a personal health record app provider with over half a million users; Evergreen Energy, helping individuals and businesses take control of their energy supply with smart technology and advice; and more recently, Evergreen Smart Power, an innovative energy business designed to load balance domestic energy in the home.

Critchlow has also invested over £2 million in other sustainable businesses and ventures that align with his vision and provides ongoing mentorship to, including SuperCarers, Ashoka UK and Ethical Property Investment.
Critchlow commented “It’s an honor to be recognised for the North region in these awards – I'm hugely passionate about helping sustainable businesses grow to create change in our society that will truly enable individuals to take more control of their own lives and their impact on the world around them.”

The Icon of the Year Award has regional winners, of which Critchlow is the winner for the North region, with the National winner being awarded at an awards ceremony in October.
Commenting on the award, Tony Walsh, Managing Director for Barclays in the North said: “The Barclays Entrepreneur Awards are a celebration of our clients and an official recognition of their entrepreneurial successes and leadership. This is the third year of the awards and I would like to congratulate all the regional winners who now go through to the national final in October.”


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Media contact

Claire Williams Marketing Manager claire.williams@evergreen-life.co.uk