A HOMEBUILDER from Stroud has been shortlisted as Entrepreneur of the Year by audit firm, Ernst & Young.

Chief executive of Lioncourt Homes Colin Cole has made it to the shortlist for the annual award which takes place on June 14.

'Delighted' at the 'unexpected' honour of being included in the shortlist Colin said: "We have had a very successful few years where everyone in the Lioncourt business plays a significant role.

"It is important to be successful but it is equally important to be successful in the right way.

"We have a rapidly expanding business but this growth is based on quality in everything we do and hence is a fundamental part of this success."

Looking ahead he added: "We are only at the start of the Lioncourt story.

"We have significant growth planned for the period ahead and we have excellent managers and staff developing throughout the business as part of our succession plans and part of the quality ethos."

According to the Ernst & Young website the programme 'celebrates the spirit and contribution of exceptional entrepreneurs who can see the future, and through their entrepreneurial businesses, are helping to reshape it.'

The news comes hot on the heels of the Worcester-based developer being named as the 25th fastest growing company in the UK, by the Sunday Times.

Lioncourt has also been awarded a 5 Star Quality rating in the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction survey for the second successive year.

The company, which Colin started from his home, has become the fastest growing housebuilder in the UK.

Lioncourt, which operates from 15 outlets and has extensive land holdings throughout England, is building new homes at Cotswold View, King's Stanley and will soon commence on a new development in Bentham Green near Cheltenham.