School of Entrepreneurship & Business
Enterprise Fellowship Scheme: Members Bio
Andy Mead
[Senior Enterprise Fellow]
Andy left school at 16 determined to free his entrepreneurial spirit which he did so at the age of 24 by forming his first company, The Finishing Line Limited. During his first year in business he was a National Finalist in the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur and in 1997 was awarded a Significant Progress Award by Shell UK.
For the past 20 years Andy has built his company into one of the UK’s leading packing and distribution companies. It is against this background that Andy has been able to develop extensive networks to help him drive his passion for enterprise and in particular young enterprise.
In the past Andy has been a non-executive director of Essex Training and Enterprise Council, the Business Development Advisory Service and The Princes Youth Business Trust Board, also a director of Business Link East and a member of The Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership.
Andy still plays an active part in the company he formed over 20 years ago as well as developing various business interests throughout the south east. He continues to bring his business experience to non-executive posts within the business support sector and indeed acts as an advisor to the East of England Development Agency’s (EEDA) Business Strategic Advisory Board (BSAB). Andy is currently a committee member of the Institute of Directors (I.O.D) Essex branch and uses this interest to develop practical links between business and education.
Andy is passionate about encouraging entrepreneurial spirit amongst young people and providing them with the opportunity to achieve their potential and raise their aspirations through positive mentoring.
Andy is interested in all aspects of business but has a particular interest in the challenges that are involved in business turn-around projects as he understands the importance of innovation and people.