Disabled Businessman Scoops Stelios Award.

A businessman from Hull has been crowned Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year at the annual Stelios Awards.

David Hawkins won the award for his work with Cyclone Technologies, which supplies bespoke wheelchairs and fitness equipment to people with disabilities in the UK and Ireland.

One of the pioneering products produced by Hawkins’ company is the ReWalk bionic suit.  The suit hit the headlines when Claire Lomas, who was paralysed in a horse riding accident, used the suit to complete the London marathon earlier this year.

Achievements Overcome Disability

Based in East Yorkshire, an area of high unemployment, Hawkins and his business partner, Stuart Dunne, only employ local workers and their sales team is solely made up ofwheelchair users.

Now in its sixth year the Stelios Awards, founded by Easyjet owner Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, recognise the unique achievements of disabled entrepreneurs.  Winners of the award receive £50,000 to help build their business.

Mr Hawkins commented: “I am thrilled to have won this award.  It means so much to me and will make the world of difference in my plans to grow the business.

“Technology is the new frontier in the disabled market, from systems that can mechanically make a paralysed person walk, to innovations that can electronically trigger muscles.”

Sir Stelios said he was impressed by Hawkins’s business, drive and enthusiasm.   He commented: “I am passionate about encouraging entrepreneurship, and David, like the previous winners of this award, offer proof that there are many highly talented disabled entrepreneurs out there.”