I am happy to report that Scott Fletcher of ANS Group (Panel member at our last event on 14th May) is one of the contenders to the prestigious Crain's 40 under 40 to be celebrated on 19th June 08 in Manchester.

Here are the finalists

What is Crain's 40 under 40 - from Arthur Porter - Publisher, Crain’s Manchester Business

One day the President of the United States will have “40 Under 40 Winner” on his resume (CV to us Brits). That was always my dream as a Publisher of local weekly business journals in America, where I spent the past 13 years prior to us launching Crain’s Manchester Business. That dream might well become a reality in November when former Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 Winner Barack Obama battles for his place in history in the race for the keys to the White House. Add to that the likes of other Crain’s 40 Under 40 Winners like Oprah Winfrey and, believe it or not, rapper Eminem and you will see the quality of our alumni of young talent that Crain’s has recognised through its 40 Under 40 programme.

In order to continue the tradition of Crain’s Manchester Business 40 Under 40 Winners, our inaugural Class of 2008 were very carefully selected by our editorial team from the outstanding nominations we received from you, our readers. The 40 we have chosen have shown that they will reach the top of their chosen professions, and in some cases already have. I congratulate them all and wish them even more success as they continue their ride to the top. I can now look forward to someday reading the CV of the Prime Minister of Great Britain where it will proudly state “former winner of Crain’s Manchester Business 40 Under 40”. It is no longer a dream.