Stelios Haji-Ioannou - founder of easyJet, Chairman of easyGroup and serial entrepreneur - announced the winner of the Stelios Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Greece - 2011.

 The €50,000 prize, was presented by Stelios himself at the prestigious Kouros Awards ceremony sponsored by the Entrepreneurship Association of Athens, was awarded to Penny & Maria Vlachou of Fereikos – Helix  based in Corinth, with 8 employees - is offering development and support to the burgeoning snail-breeding community. With an impressive revenue stream to-date and important entrepreneurial moves, Fereikos - Helix promises to be an example of forward-thinking entrepreneurship in Greece.

While Greece has a proud history of business dynasties, it is less well known for small entrepreneurial businesses - particularly those entrepreneurs starting at any early age, as Stelios himself did with the founding of easyJet when he was 28 years old.

Commenting on the awards, Stelios said:  

‘In as difficult times as these, it becomes even more important for promising entrepreneurs with innovative business platforms to have access to funding. When I was 28, I was fortunate enough to have my father’s support when I made my first entrepreneurial move. I want to provide that same support to today’s young entrepreneurs.

‘Fereikos -Helix is an excellent example of out-of-the-box thinking, a sound business strategy and the passion and willingness to take a risk that defines every entrepreneur. Their company has increased the number of  snail-breeding  units from 70 to 154 since last year, creating 200 new jobs. I hope that - in time – Penny & Maria Vlachou will prove to be important role models for future generations of entrepreneurs.  I’m confident that the €50,000 will be going to a good home.’

Congratulations to the Fereikos - Helix team!

TV coverage
Alpha TV 26-11-2011 (greek video)

Media coverage
Proto Thema 27-11-2011 (greek text) 
Naftemporiki 25-11-2011 (greek text)
Kerdos 25-11-2011 (greek text)


Images of the ceremony 

Including Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and the winners