DAVID MacDonald, owner of Glasgow-based Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging, has been crowned the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022 UK Transformational Leader.
He won the national accolade at the recent EY Awards ceremony in Manchester after being selected by a panel of entrepreneurial peers. David fought off competition from over 30 semi-finalists and 19 finalists.
David has overseen the production of over one billion eco-friendly packaging products since 2020, announced the creation of 120 new jobs this year, and is driving a £15 million expansion plan. He also spearheaded the launch of the Fibre Bottle, a patented biodegradable paper bottle which has earned an endorsement from prominent environmental campaigner Sian Sutherland of A Plastic Planet.
Under David’s leadership, Cullen has grown from one export country to 34 destinations, with the ability to replace most single-use plastic packaging with moulded fibre alternatives within one month.
David MacDonald said, “I’m so proud to be named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 UK Transformational Leader Winner. I am delighted and humbled to be recognised for my achievements in growing the business, generating jobs and creating sustainable, market-disrupting products and packaging that are viable replacements for single-use plastics.
“Sustainability is my passion and I’m driven by innovation and finding solutions to our clients’ challenges, solutions that will bring about real change.”
Gregor Angus, EY regional judge, commented, “Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates leaders with inspirational stories – those who are creating long term value, reframing our future, and contributing purpose beyond profits. Entrepreneurship can be demanding and isolating, so the programme goes beyond a competition and enables leaders to reflect on their successes and share their most pressing challenges with like-minded peers in this outstanding entrepreneurial community.
“It has been a privilege hearing the stories of our inspiring Scottish cohort as they demonstrate the talent, passion and entrepreneurial flare we have throughout the country, and the value they create within their business, across local and international markets and for their communities.”
